Ben Franklin's 13 Virtues

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues were posted on Gail Wilson's email list by Gail recently. We've been talking about order in the work area, specifically, but all of the virtues are worth thinking about. Of course we all know that Ben had some issues with the ladies, but I appreciate that he set some goals early in life.

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.

2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.

3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.

4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.

6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.

11. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.


Ben Franklin also invented the bifocals, for which I am extremely grateful.

1 comment:

The Creative Bohemian said...

Well... Ben DOES say to use it for your health AND offspring. If you ask any man, he must be less than chaste if he is to remain healthy. LOL!

Diane


"Do not let what you cannot do
keep you from doing what you can do."

John Wooden