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 Thirty-five
Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.
Let’s break down this virtue in today’s terms: "Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive" basically means "When you’re talking to busy people, get to the point and make sure it’s clear and complete." No fluff, no rambling, just the essentials, delivered fast.
In 2025, this is more relevant than ever. People are swamped—emails, meetings, notifications pinging nonstop. Here’s how to apply it practically:
Emails
Write a subject line that says it all (e.g., "Project Deadline: March 10") and keep the body to three sentences max—what you need, why, and when.
Meetings
Skip the small talk. Start with, “Here’s the goal, here’s the plan. Any questions?” Done in 15 minutes instead of an hour.
Texts/Slack
One message, not a novel: “Can you approve the budget by 3 PM? Details are in the document.” Boom, they get it.
Pitching Ideas
If you’re selling something to a client or boss, give the elevator version: “This saves 20% on costs, takes two weeks to implement, and I’ve got the data if you want it.” They’ll ask if they need more.
It’s about respecting their time while still covering the bases. Think of it like a short, sharp tweet that says everything. How does that sound for a modern spin?
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