A decalogue is a simple yet powerful tool that helps us organize ideas, values, or rules in a clear and easy-to-remember way. Although its origin is ancient, the decalogue is still relevant today—in education, professional ethics, and even personal life.
In this article, you’ll learn what a decalogue is, how to create one step by step, and see practical examples that can be applied in the classroom, at work, or in everyday life.
What Is a Decalogue?
The word decalogue comes from the Greek deka (ten) and logos (word), literally meaning “ten words” or “ten principles.”
In practice, a decalogue is a list of ten key rules, ideas, or guidelines on a specific topic.
Decalogue: Meaning and Purpose
A decalogue is more than just a list—it has an intention. It summarizes what’s essential, what really matters.
The goal is to highlight the ten most important points, for example to:
- Guide behavior (like the Ten Commandments).
- Set rules (e.g., a classroom decalogue).
- Promote best practices (in health, writing, work, etc.).
- Share values or core ideas (in education, citizenship, leadership).
Why Write a Decalogue?
There are many ways to organize ideas, but the decalogue offers clear advantages:
- Clarity: it condenses key concepts into a fixed number.
- Easy to remember: the number ten is simple to recall.
- Concise: forces you to prioritize the essentials.
- Versatile: can be applied in almost any field.
That’s why decalogue examples are common in education, professional life, ethics, and even creative areas like literature and film.
How to Write a Decalogue
Creating an effective decalogue requires reflection and structure. Follow these steps:
- Define the purpose
Ask yourself: What do I want to communicate with this decalogue?
Be clear about the topic (students, teachers, company, etc.). - Brainstorm ideas
Write down all possible ideas without filtering at first. - Group and select
Organize similar ideas, remove duplicates, and select the ten most relevant. - Write clearly and positively
Each point should be concrete and affirmative.
✔ “Respect turns to speak.”
✘ “Do not interrupt others.” - Keep a consistent style
Use the same format across all points (e.g., all verbs in infinitive: Listen, Collaborate…). - Add a short introduction
Before the list, include a brief explanation of the decalogue’s purpose. - Get feedback
Have someone else read it to catch unclear points. - Limit to ten points
Even if you have more ideas, group them—ten is the rule. - Make it visually clear
Use numbering, titles, or icons, especially if you plan to share or print it. - Check tone and spelling
A short but well-written text increases credibility.
Examples of Decalogues
Decalogue of a Good Student
- Listen actively in class.
- Organize your time and materials.
- Ask questions when you don’t understand.
- Respect classmates and teachers.
- Read beyond the required content.
- Do your homework responsibly.
- Learn from mistakes.
- Take care of your mental and physical health.
- Use technology wisely.
- Be consistent, not perfect.
Decalogue for a Healthy Classroom Environment
- Greet others kindly every day.
- Use respectful language.
- Accept different opinions.
- Cooperate with your group.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Control your voice volume.
- Apologize when you make a mistake.
- Take care of shared spaces.
- Participate constructively.
- Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Decalogue of the Beginner Writer
- Read every day.
- Write even without inspiration.
- Be consistent, not impulsive.
- Review and edit your work.
- Accept criticism with humility.
- Get inspired, but don’t copy.
- Observe the world with curiosity.
- Keep a notebook or app for ideas.
- Respect your own voice.
- Enjoy the process, not just the result.
How Is a Decalogue Different from Other Lists?
Sometimes a decalogue can look like a list of tips or a step-by-step guide. The main difference is its fixed structure of ten points and its intention to summarize the essentials, not necessarily in order.
Decalogues are often more normative or inspirational, while guides tend to be more technical or detailed.
Applications of the Decalogue in Literature and Education
In literature, writers like Juan José Millás and Augusto Monterroso have created their own decalogues for writing short stories.
Decalogues are also used to:
- Encourage reading.
- Improve creative writing.
- Develop values in the classroom.
In education, teachers often ask students to create their own decalogues as tools for reflection, synthesis, or self-evaluation.