Ben Franklin's Virtues

Benjamin Franklin had thirteen virtues that he wanted to cultivate in himself. He did so by writing them on a chart and scoring himself daily.

• 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 employed 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 extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
• Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
• Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
• Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
• Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

The virtues say as much about Ben Franklin as they do about living well. Temperance, have you ever seen a picture of Ben where he isn't portly? Cleanliness? What kind a man needs to improve his cleanliness? Chastity? Franklin had a common law wife and an illegitimate son with another woman.

Not to make fun of Ben Franklin. In fact, I find it instructive that someone who achieved as much as he still viewed himself as imperfect and took concrete stops to improve.