Tidbits Practices Proper Etiquette

• The use of proper etiquette can be traced back as far as biblical times, with proverbs advising a person to “Eat as it becometh a man, and devour not, lest thou be hated.” Ancient leaders advised against licking one’s fingers and belching after a good meal, drinking wine in one gulp, and being free of offensive body odor.

• Greed was considered the basis of all evil and was to be guarded against, and society was advised instead to cultivate the practice of kindness and generosity.

• Medieval knights were held to very strict rules of conduct, including “gallantry and courtesy to women” and respect for and defense of the weak.

• As early as 1528, a book of manners was in existence, with advice on gentility, wittiness, and discretion. Those who wished to climb the social ladder were counselled to have impeccable manners. One of the 16 th century’s most popular essays instructed people not to eat with mouths open or sneak sideways glances at others. They were encouraged to engage in self-restraint and bodily control, both of which were described as “civilizing processes.”