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A philosopher named Ptah-Hotep, wrote the first book
of etiquette during the Fifth Egyptian Dynasty,
between 3580 B.C. to 3536 B.C. . The Instruction of
Ptah-Hotep is the most ancient complete literary
work existing.
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In this papyrus book, Ptah-Hotep sets down the rules
of behavior that all wise men should convey to their
sons.
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In more modern times, etiquette began in the French
royal courts in the 1600s and 1700s. Under King
Louis XIV, a placard (the word “etiquette” means
card or placard) was devised and posted with rules
for all to follow.
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The first recordings of American etiquette were made
in George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent
Behaviour In Company and Conversation (http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html)
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Emily Post wrote "Etiquette--In Society, In
Business, In Politics, and At Home." It was
published in 1922 popular book about manners, was
written by in 1922. The self-proclaimed
debutante-turned-writer published It became a
best-seller and paved the way for her successors to
continue preaching good manners.
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Post was succeeded by Amy Vanderbilt, who called
herself a “journalist in the field of etiquette.”
Her contribution to American good manners was "Amy
Vanderbilt’s Complete Guide To Etiquette."
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Today, the field of etiquette has expanded beyond
society manners. Many big businesses employ
etiquette trainers whose job it is to teach good
manners to executives.
Reference: Barbara Newton.
http://mimi.essortment.com/historyofetiq_rizc.htm
Remember These Sayings? How times have changed:
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Children should not speak until spoken to.
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A lady should always walk in an easy, unassuming
manner, neither looking to the right or to the left.
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A true lady always dresses simply and quietly when
in street costume. She does not adopt gay and showy
colors and load herself down with jewelry, which is
entirely out of place.
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A gentleman should not speak to a lady until she
acknowledges him.
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From the 1500's through the early 1900's, children
learned etiquette at school.
Reference: Lisa C. McCormick.
http://library.thinkquest.org/2993/cntrast.htm
Benjamin Franklin sought to develop his character by a
plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed in 1726 at
the age of 20 and continued to practice in some form for
the rest of his life. His autobiography lists his
thirteen virtues as:
1.
TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or
yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let
each part of your business have its time.
4. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought;
perform without fail what you resolve.
5. FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others
or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ'd in
something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently
and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting
the benefits that are your duty.
9. MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting
injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body,
clothes, or habitation.
11. TRANQUILITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at
accidents common or unavoidable.
12. HASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or
offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of
your own or
another's peace or reputation.
13. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Pro-Etiquette offers group seminars, customized
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weekend events
and individual coaching.
Please contact us for a free consultation and
assessment.
E-mail:
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