• Associate yourself with persons of good character. It is better to be alone than in bad company.
• Think before you speak.
• Accept corrections thankfully.
• Be not obstinate in supporting your own opinion.
• Do not repeat news if you know not the truth thereof.
• Speak not evil of the absent.
• Do not reprove or correct another in anger.
• Do not curse or revile anyone.
• Let your conversation be without malice or envy.
• Yield the place in front of the fire to the latest comer.
• Jog not the desk on which another reads or writes.
• Speak not injurious words either in jest or in earnest. Scoff at none although they give occasion.
• In disputes, give liberty to each one to present his opinion.
• Be attentive when others speak.
• Always submit your judgments to others with modesty.
• Do not undertake to teach your equal in an art in which he is qualified.
• A man should not preen himself about his achievements, his wit, his virtue, and much less about his wealth.
• When a man does the best he can, yet succeeds not, do not blame him.
• Do not express joy before one who is sick or in pain.
• If anyone comes to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up, even though you may consider him to be your inferior.
• Show a good example, particularly before the less experienced.
• Do not give advice unless you are asked.
• Be not curious to know the affairs of others.

--George Washington