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

 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-three

Speak not of doleful things in a time of mirth or at the table; speak not of melancholy things such as death and wounds, and if others mention them, change if you can the discourse tell not your dreams, but your intimate friend.

Number Sixty-two is essentially advising us to keep the vibe light and positive during happy times or social gatherings, like meals. It suggests steering clear of heavy, gloomy topics, thinking about death, injuries, or personal woes, and if someone else brings them up, try to shift the conversation to something cheerier if possible. It also nudges you to keep your weird dreams to yourself unless you’re spilling them to a close buddy.

In modern terms, this is about reading the room and practicing social awareness. It’s saying: don’t be the person who kills the mood at a party by ranting about grim news or oversharing your nightmares with casual acquaintances. Instead, save the deep, dark stuff for a one-on-one with someone you trust.

Practically, you could apply this today by avoiding a rant about a rough day at work when you’re out with friends who are celebrating something. If your cousin starts griping about their breakup over dinner, you might toss out a, “Hey, did anyone see that hilarious video going around?” to pivot the chat. And if you had a wild dream about being chased by a giant sandwich, maybe text it to your best friend later instead of unloading it on the group chat. It’s all about keeping things smooth and enjoyable for everyone.