Benjamin Franklin

Post date: Mar 01, 2010 5:21:3 PM

Thirteen Virtues

Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography lists his thirteen virtues as:

"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;

i.e., 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."