Importance of the Carreño Manual

In any society of any era there is a series of civic guidelines that should be respected by all. It is a set of norms and values ​​that over time have been labeled in different ways: civility, civility, good manners, training of the spirit, education for citizenship, etc. Regardless of the term used, it is important that the whole of a society behave with criteria based on respect and good manners.

In 1853 the Venezuelan educator and musician Manuel Antonio Carreño published a book on the beginning morals and basic education standards that should guide the behavior of young people, popularly known as the "Manual Carreño". In it language of Venezuelans, when someone behaved rudely or inappropriately, it was said of him that "he doesn't know Carreño."

In its time it was a revolutionary text

The rules of civility and moral principles contained in the manual were considered very advanced for his time, since the text was aimed at both sexes and in the 19th century the education of women was a rarity and was only oriented to men of the lower classes. tall.

On the other hand, the educational authorities of Spain incorporated the manual into primary education.

For decades the manual was reissued periodically in different Latin American countries and became a moral reference for several generations. From a historical point of view, the text by Manuel Antonio Carreño is very useful to understand the mentality of the 19th century and its evolution over time.

Although it is a document that does not connect with the reality of the 21st century, some of its recommendations are perfectly valid for any time.

Certain recommendations in the manual are very curious for our mentality. In the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, certain rules were considered mandatory: women's ankles had to be covered and their Handkerchiefs had to carry their initials, men had to kiss the hand of the ladies and they could not enter any place with the hat position.

On the other hand, Carreño's text is impregnated with religiosity and it specifies that the fulfillment of social duties is intended to satisfy the will of God.

The Manual presents some recommendations that are absolutely valid for our present moment and for any age. Thus, it is advised to respect parents, be polite and courteous to all people, help those most in need, control anger and desire for revenge and not accumulate debts.