Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues
Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues served as a guide to him for most of his long life. He attributed most of his success and happiness to the pursuit of these virtues, though he admits that he never attained the perfection.
You too can implement a virtue system in your life. I would caution you to be mindful that the pursuit of the virtue is more important than its attainment. This system helps us become more aware of our behavior and thinking in our daily activities. This awareness allows us to harvest these virtues and combine them into a powerful ally.
These virtues are:
- Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
- Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
- Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
- Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
- Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; waste nothing.
- Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
- Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
- Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
- Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
- Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
- Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
- 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.
- Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Ben’s Chart
Franklin used the following chart to track his progress in his virtuous journey. You can get you own set of Virtue Charts by clicking here!
For more information on Franklin’s 13 virtues and how to apply them to your life check out on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.