Benjamin Franklin’s Virtues

I have been thinking a lot lately about Benjamin Franklin, particularly since reading a blog post in the New York Times, referred to me by Kandace. This is his list of daily “virtues” to be followed.

1. Temperance Eat not to dullness; 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 hurful 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 extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
11. Tranquility Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. 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.
13. Humility Imitate Jesus and Socrates.