01/10/12 - Rule Number 58

It's another busy but regular day so I think another "Rule" is in order.  Today I picked Rule number 58:


Let your conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature:  And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.


This is an interesting rule and one that I could definitely do a better job at adhering to.  My problem is that I often use sarcasm in my conversation.  Sometimes that sarcasm is directed at myself and sometimes it can be directed towards others.  It is never intended to be with any Malice or Envy, but I can see that there are times when others might think so.  My goal for myself is to curb my use of sarcasm and to stop and think more often before I blurt things out.


The second part of this rule deals with thinking before reacting in passionate situations.  There is a story about George Washington that goes something like this:


The story goes that as a young militia officer, George Washington was having an argument with another man named William Payne.  During the argument, Payne knocked Washington down with a stick.  Apparently, an insult like this would have normally led to a duel and Payne must have thought this when Washington summoned him to a tavern the following day.  Instead, he found Washington at a table with a decanter of wine and two glasses.  Washington apologized for the quarrel, and the two men shook hands.


I think that this story speaks for itself.  Think before you act.