George Washington could teach all our politicians a thing or two—of course they’d have to listen. George was taught penmanship by a mentor or tutor when he was still quite young. His teacher taught him how to write in beautiful script which was plain and easy to read. George had good penmanship throughout his life.

But the tutor taught him something more by using his method to teach fluid writing. He would pronounce certain maxims or sayings that became a basis for good character. These maxims had to be written over and over again while George could perfect his writing ability. To the satisfaction of his tutor.

Some of these maxims you have heard before or at least seen in George Washington’s character. As a youngster he had quite a temper, but over time he learned to control it—completely.

In watching some of the Presidential debates lately, I’ve been wishing that these politicians had had a tutor to teach them penmanship, and character at the same time.

Here are just a couple of Washington’s maxims that immediately come to mind:

-Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest.
-Speak not evil of the absent for it is unjust.
-Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another tho he be your enemy.
-Be not apt to repeat News if you know not the truth thereof.

And here’s a couple George didn’t write:
-No mud can soil us but the mud we throw.
-When you shake your fist at someone, remember that all your fingers are pointing at yourself.

Enjoy the debates!