When George Washington was young, he was taught penmanship (his was very good as President), by writing over and over again what were called “The 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour”. (You may order a complete copy of these rules from the Mount Vernon Ladies Association if you’d like.

You know these rules helped him develop the character that allowed him to become so beloved to his fellow countrymen. One of the rules he was directed to write was “When your superiors talk to any body, hearken not neither speak nor laugh.”

For some unknown reason that made me think of the following Peanuts cartoon.

Schroeder is talking with Charlie Brown and says: “I like Beethoven, but Brahms makes me glad I’m alive.”

In the next panel he adds: “I think I’ll go home and listen to Brahms’ Fourth . . .”

Then Schroeder turns around and faces Charlie Brown who is walking with him and tells him: ”I feel the need to have the feeling that it’s good to be alive . . .” Charlie Brown responds: “I know what you mean . . .”

Then Charlie Brown says to a dizzying Schroeder: “That’s a terrible feeling to have the need of having the feeling of having . . .”

Neither speak nor laugh!