An understanding of the principles of ethics was never more needful than it is today. Children and adults alike will benefit from this reprint of an 1890 textbook on ethics. This book contains the lessons that parents once used to instill moral principles in the hearts and minds of their children - in the days when Americans were renowned worldwide for their honesty and trustworthiness. Ethics: an Early American Handbook provides a series of thoughtful lessons on character traits as taught in previous centuries, followed by discussion questions. Although some of the specific examples are quaint and old-fashioned, the ethical principles are timeless, and you can make up your own modern-day hypothetical scenarios. Chapter titles include: Truth - in which you will find out five ways people lie, and why each should be avoided. Profanity - why it is not only offensive, but dangerous. Obedience - why this unpopular virtue is so necessary. Conscience - why you will never be happy if you have a troubled conscience. Conscientiousness - why it's vital to do the best job you possibly can. Forgiveness - the three reactions you can have to being wronged, and why it's so important to forgive. Additional chapters focus on the topics of industry, honesty, fidelity, justice, politeness, gratitude, benevolence, purity, repentance, treatment of enemies, and duty. (Duty to God, duties to parents, duties at school, duties to playmates, and even duties to animals ) Parents should read this book aloud to their children and discuss it with them. This book will hopefully inspire citizens of all ages to improve their own character, which will ultimately improve the character of our whole nation.