FAQ Franklin’s Way
On this page we address FAQ Franklin’s Way – 13 Virtues For A Better Life. As new ones come in, this page will be updated to accommodate other frequent questions.
Where is the book available?
Franklin’s Way is available on both Amazon and Branes & Noble.
Tracking chart or grid?
The tracking matrix that Franklin used was intended to help focus on one virtue per week while still availing itself of the other virtues. As you can see below, the grid prominently displays the “week’s” focus virtues, in this case Industry. The chart also lists the entire 13 Virtue inventory in order to help keep the balance of these virtues in mind.
Temperance? Really? Does that mean I can’t enjoy a drink every now and then?
Franklin place Temperance first in the list of virtues. It was his belief that if one masters the primal urges (eating and drinking) the other virtues would be more easily adopted! This is not a call for complete abstinence from alcohol. Franklin’s (and this book’s) temperance is NOT the temperance movement which took place in the early 19th century.
What the virtue of Temperance calls for is mindfulness of our intake and avoiding intoxication. We must realize that in the 1700’s water sources were commonly bacteria ridden. To avoid becoming ill, people frequently consumed alcohol (which kills bacteria) instead of water.