Oh, it is wonderful to learn that a hero of mine, George Washington, considered on civility. Just as today, in the last few years, so many Utahns have called for civility, even so, George, way back in his day, also called for it.
Respect the other person, regardless if you differ in belief. Be charitable with those of differing opinions. Villainize not your foes, but befriend them. These are principles George apparently felt the same about as I do.
I found this great quote from him. It is great in what it says, though not in the way it was worded. So, I will rewrite it. First, I will give you George's own words, then I will offer the rewrite.
"Differences in political opinions are as unavoidable as, to a certain point, they may perhaps be necessary; but it is exceedingly to be regretted that subjects cannot be discussed with temper on the one hand, or decisions submitted to without having the motives, which led to them, improperly implicated on the other; and this regret borders on chagrin when we find that men of abilities, zealous patriots, having the same general objects in view, and the same upright intentions to prosecute them, will not exercise more charity in deciding on the opinions and actions of one another."
(Quote taken from a letter to Alexander Hamilton, Aug. 26, 1792.)
And, here's my rewrite. It, too, is not perfect in wording. But, here it is:
Differences in political opinions can be unavoidable. If we have thoughts contrary to those of our friends, we, of course, feel an obligation to express them in order to stand for what we feel is right. But, it is regrettable that things cannot be discussed in a more tempered way, with respect for the beliefs of the other, and not questioning the other's motives. It is wrong to implicate the other person, to assign a faults in conduct, and flaws in character, simply because they reached a different conclusion. My regret for this borders on chagrin when I consider that persons of great abilities, zealous patriots, all, can have the same love of country, and the same well-fare of humanity in mind, yet because they reach different conclusions on what should be done, they will not be charitable towards each other.
Respect the other person, regardless if you differ in belief. Be charitable with those of differing opinions. Villainize not your foes, but befriend them. These are principles George apparently felt the same about as I do.
I found this great quote from him. It is great in what it says, though not in the way it was worded. So, I will rewrite it. First, I will give you George's own words, then I will offer the rewrite.
"Differences in political opinions are as unavoidable as, to a certain point, they may perhaps be necessary; but it is exceedingly to be regretted that subjects cannot be discussed with temper on the one hand, or decisions submitted to without having the motives, which led to them, improperly implicated on the other; and this regret borders on chagrin when we find that men of abilities, zealous patriots, having the same general objects in view, and the same upright intentions to prosecute them, will not exercise more charity in deciding on the opinions and actions of one another."
(Quote taken from a letter to Alexander Hamilton, Aug. 26, 1792.)
And, here's my rewrite. It, too, is not perfect in wording. But, here it is:
Differences in political opinions can be unavoidable. If we have thoughts contrary to those of our friends, we, of course, feel an obligation to express them in order to stand for what we feel is right. But, it is regrettable that things cannot be discussed in a more tempered way, with respect for the beliefs of the other, and not questioning the other's motives. It is wrong to implicate the other person, to assign a faults in conduct, and flaws in character, simply because they reached a different conclusion. My regret for this borders on chagrin when I consider that persons of great abilities, zealous patriots, all, can have the same love of country, and the same well-fare of humanity in mind, yet because they reach different conclusions on what should be done, they will not be charitable towards each other.
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