The
Benjamin 13-Week Self-Improvement Challenge
Energy and persistence
conquer all things.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin
Franklin’s 13 Virtues
Franklin
tracked his progress on charts he created. The first letter of each day was
listed on top and the first letter of each virtue was indicated down the left
side. He would add a dot if he felt he fell short of meeting that virtue on a
given 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 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 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 uncleanness in body, clothes 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.”
Choose
The Right!!
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