5 Lessons from George Washington

George Washington - first President.

Arnold Friberg (1913-2010) in front of his famous painting - George Washington Praying at Valley Forge

As my daughter and I finish off our 6-book series, House of Cards, I reflect upon the President that made such a difference in the life of one of the major characters.  We took intellectual licence and had her dancing with Washington at his inaugural ball.

He was the character's favorite President.  As she is much older than anyone believes, she has seen her fair share of Presidents and he was tip-top.  

George Washington dancing at inaugural ball 1789

I find in him a curious mix.

Washington could have been a King, but chose to not repeat the mistake the earliest Americans (rebels) were trying to correct - the idea that any one person could make decisions for an entire country.  One that stretched (eventually) from sea to shining sea.

He was a gentleman planter when he wasn't busy being a General or the first President.  Yes, he had slaves.  He was a product of his time.  I'm not saying he was right -  just that in the future, we might be considered "evil" just because we all had high tech items (the bane and blessing of our existence today).  

5 Lessons from George Washington - in the language of his day with  my translations in red and how to apply them in blue.

1. Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present. Translation:  The golden rule:  treat others the way you want to be treated.

How to apply this today?  

For those on Social Media, there is an ugliness that states everyone is entitled to their own opinion and they ARE - because of men like Washington.  However, as you disagree, you don't have to be disagreeable.

2. Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.

Translation:  Don't show friends things that scare them

How to apply this today?  

this is a no-brainer.  Don't show disgusting/illicit/nasty/innuendo filled things that make them wish they'd never met you, heard of you, or will make them uncomfortable around you.

3. When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

Translation: Show your appreciation for the efforts of those around you, whether successful or not.

How to apply this today?  

Another easy one.  Not everyone wins a gold medal - but the efforts of anyone trying to do anything - even if they come out without the gold in their pan, give them encouragement so they won't give up.

4. Mock not nor jest at anything of importance … and if you deliver anything witty and pleasant, abstain from laughing thereat yourself. 

Translation: Don't mock/poke fun at things that are important - and if you do say something witty/pleasant, don't laugh at your own wittiness.  

How to apply this today? 

Wow...where to begin?  Social media is the biggest culprit of this.  The media world of one upmanship, the endless applauding for whoever comes up with the nastiest or most unkind or unflattering picture of or statement about people.  If you can't say something nice...

5. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.

Translation:  Don't gossip, don't listen to gossip - don't be in a hurry to believe the worst of someone (like the news of today delivers).

How to apply this?  

pure plain and simple:  check your facts, don't believe much of anything you 'hear' on social media or the 'news'.  In today's world, do not be afraid to do some digging.

The truth does not change.