101 Virtues to apply to your life, Number Sixty-one

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 Sixty-one

Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and Learned Men nor very Difficult Questions or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

This Viture advises on tailoring your speech to your audience and situation. In modern terms, it’s about practicing discernment and respect in communication. Essentially, it suggests:

Don’t waste time on trivial or silly topics when you’re with serious, knowledgeable people—keep it relevant and substantial.

Avoid overly complex or confusing subjects when talking to those who might not follow so you don’t alienate or overwhelm them.

Don’t dominate conversations with unnecessary quotes or showy language, especially around peers or those of higher standing; it’s about being precise, not impressive.

Practically, today, this could mean adjusting how you talk depending on who’s listening. For example:

At a work meeting with experts, skip the small talk and focus on ideas that match their depth of understanding.

Chatting with a friend who’s not into tech, don’t ramble about quantum computing—keep it simple and relatable.

Don’t flood a thread with jargon or pretentious one-liners on social media platforms to sound clever; match the tone and level of the discussion.

It’s about reading the room, respecting others’ perspectives, and communicating in a way that connects rather than confuses or annoys.