Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues

Franklin tracked his progress on charts he created. The first letter of each day wall listed on the top and the first letter of each virtue was indicated down the left side. He would add a dot if he felt short of meeting that virtue on a giving day. Benjamin Franklin carried these charts with him as a reminder of his personal plan of conduct.

The following 13 virtues continue to be relevant today. Next to each virtue is Franklin’s definition.

1.     Temperance

‘‘Eat not to dullness’’

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 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 uncleanliness in body, cloths or habitation.”

11.                         Chastity

“I would never do anything that would disrespect my wife.”

12.                         Tranquility

“Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”

13.                        Humility

Like “Socrates.”