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-eight
Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than precepts.
This saying, rooted in older English, essentially means: "Practice what you preach." In modern terms, it’s about leading by example rather than just giving advice or criticism. If you call someone out or correct them, make sure your actions are above reproach. People are more likely to follow what they see you do than you tell them to do.
Practically speaking, this virtue can be applied today in everyday situations. For instance, if you’re a manager who wants your team to meet deadlines, you should be punctual and organized and not roll into meetings late or miss your commitments. Or, if you’re encouraging a friend to cut back on screen time, they’ll take it more seriously if you’re not glued to your phone while saying it. It’s about credibility: your behavior sets the tone more than your words ever will.
In a world full of influencers and online opinions, this could also mean curating your life before you critique others. Don’t post about living sustainably if you’re tossing plastic bottles daily. People notice actions over lectures at work, at home, or even on social media. It’s a call to align your walk with your talk.
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