Let’s explore the book of virtues that George Washington copied at 14 and followed throughout his life. These virtues are based on Aristotle's writings but have been enhanced over the centuries. We can translate them into modern language and find practical ways to apply them.
Number Twenty-Four
Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.
This virtue is about keeping calm and not overreacting with excessive laughter or glee when something wild or embarrassing happens in public, like someone tripping spectacularly or a celebrity flubbing a speech. In modern terms, it’s about staying chill and not cackling way too hard at someone else’s expense, especially when everyone’s watching.
Practically applying this today could mean scrolling X and seeing a viral video of some politician’s awkward gaffe. Instead of piling on with a loud “LOL” reply or quote-tweeting it with a bunch of laughing emojis, you might just smirk to yourself and move on or drop a subtle, witty comment that doesn’t scream, “I’m dying over here!” It’s about restraint and not letting your reaction overshadow the moment itself. Keeps you from looking like you’re trying too hard to dunk on someone, too.
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