Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues
Benjamin Franklin was an interesting man. Founding Father. Scientist. Inventor. Author. Business man. Franklin was committed to self-improvement and developed his own personal road map in a quest for moral perfection. His 13 virtues. I must admit that I had little knowledge of Franklin’s life or accomplishments a year ago. Aside from a foggy memory from grade school that involved a man standing out in a lightning storm flying a kite with a key attached to it, Franklin was a mystery to me. Until I read Napoleon Hill’s The Law of Success. In The Law of Success, Hill speaks of Franklin’s 13 virtues and explains the lengths that Franklin went to in the name of self-improvement. In business and in life, there’s a great deal that we can all learn from Franklin and his 13 virtues.
Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues
1. Temperance
Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation
2. Silence
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself
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; 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; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve
10. Cleanliness
Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, 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
More about Franklin and his 13 virtues
A great take on the 13 virtues from The Art of Manliness. While you’re there be sure to learn “How to Shave Like Your Grandpa”.
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