Ben Franklins List of 13 Virtues
“Below is what was put together by Benjamin Franklin in order to help him better himself throughout his lifetime. It is a list of what he felt were the best of all virtues needed to live a better life. There are obviously more virtues but his list only included 13 as that is what he felt was best to live a grounded life. If you read them with this in mind it will help you to understand the order and how to apply them to yourself.” — Rick Cox
My intention being to acquire the habitude of all these virtues, I judged it would be well not to distract my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of them at a time; and, when I should be master of that, then to proceed to another, and so on, till I should have gone through the thirteen; and, as the previous acquisition of some might facilitate the acquisition of certain others, I arranged them with that view, as they stand above. Temperance first, as it tends to procure that coolness and clearness of head, which is so necessary where constant vigilance was to be kept up, and guard maintained against the unremitting attraction of ancient habits, and the force of perpetual temptations. This being acquired and established, Silence would be more easy; and my desire being to gain knowledge at the same time that I improved in virtue, and considering that in conversation it was obtained rather by the use of the ears than of the tongue, and therefore wishing to break a habit I was getting into of prattling, punning, and joking, which only made me acceptable to trifling company, I gave Silence the second place. — Benjamin Franklin
Temperance:
Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.
Silence:
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
Tranquility:
Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common and unavoidable.
Humility:
Imitate Jesus and Socrates
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 o omitting the benefits that are your duty.
Moderation:
Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
Cleanliness:
Tolerate no uncleanness in the body, clothes, or habitation.
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.
Best of LUCK as you
Labor Under Correct Knowledge…
Respectfully,
Rick Cox