I spent the day reading George Washington on Leadership by Richard Brookhiser. I love to read the history, letters and thoughts of our founding fathers and their British counterparts. There were many parts of my reading I found thought provoking but two I would like to share. I was reminded of “The Rules of Civililty & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Washington copied these in a penmanship exercise, they were originally compiled by Jesuits in 1595. These rules were written in the time of a class based society but respect, politeness and courtesy are never out of style, though sometimes I find these lacking in today’s inteactions.

The second is a quote by the author (pg 161)

A leader must believe that there is some best to brought out. If men are wretches, they have no best.

I would paraphrase it this way;

A teacher mush believe that there is some best to brought out. If students are thought to be wretches they have no best.

Some times when I listen to some teachers talk about their students I wonder how they ever expect them to learn if they think so little of them. Though these teachers are not common they whine about their students and speak negatively of them. They do not respect them, nor their potential.

I am certain that if we treat all with respect and honor their gifts, talents and potential we can bring out the best in all of us.