101 Virtues to apply to your life, Forty-two

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 Forty-two

Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses, for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince. 

This quote, adapted from older English, essentially advises tailoring your behavior and manners to suit the status or role of the person you're interacting with. In modern terms, it’s about adjusting your politeness, formality, or respect based on the context and the individual. It suggests that you wouldn’t speak or act the same way with a close friend as you would with a boss, a stranger, or someone in a position of authority because what’s appropriate depends on their "dignity" or standing.

What It Means Today

In today’s language, this virtue is about social awareness and adaptability. It recognizes that different people and situations call for different approaches. For example, cracking jokes and using slang might be fine with a buddy at a bar, but it’d be out of place in a job interview or when meeting someone’s grandparents for the first time. The idea isn’t about being fake; it’s about showing respect and understanding the interaction dynamics.

Practical Application in 2025

Workplace Context

 When emailing a coworker, you might keep it casual ("Hey, quick question, got a sec?"), but with your manager or a client, you’d switch to something more polished ("Hello, I’d like to discuss this; could we schedule a time?"). It’s about matching the tone to the relationship and their role.

Social Media

On social media, you might roast a friend in the replies with memes, but if you’re engaging with a public figure or a professional contact, you’d keep it civil and constructive. People still notice when someone’s oblivious to the audience they’re addressing.

Everyday Life

Imagine meeting a friend versus a teacher or a cop pulling you over. With your friend, you might slap their back and laugh; with the teacher, you’d nod politely; with the cop, you’d stay calm and formal ("Yes, officer"). It’s practical; it keeps things smooth and avoids unnecessary friction.

The core takeaway is flexibility: read the room, know who you’re dealing with, and adjust accordingly. It’s less about hierarchy worship and more about navigating life effectively.