A Christian and philosopher and educator, Erasmus of Rotterdam, the greatest classical scholar of the northern Humanist Renaissance, determined that manners was the best instilled at an early age. Here are some samples from the three-century best seller, “On Civility in Children” (c.1530):
“To lick greasy fingers or to wipe them on your coat is impolite. It is better to use the table cloth or the serviette.”
“Some people put their hands in the dishes the moment they have sat down. Wolves do that.”
“You should not offer your handkerchief to anyone unless it has been freshly washed. Nor is it seemly, after wiping your nose, to spread out your handkerchief and peer into it as if pearls and rubies might have fallen out of your head.”
“If you cannot swallow a piece of food, turn around discreetly and throw it somewhere.”