In 1747, a sixteen-year-old schoolboy in Virginia sat down with pen and ink to copy 110 handwritten rules of good behavior. The exercise was meant to teach young men how to act in polite society. Rule 56 on his paper gave a clear warning: "Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company."
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!