List No. 104

FRANKLIN’S 13 VIRTUES

Benjamin Franklin

1726

Benjamin Franklin was a high achiever, to say the least: at various stages of his life he was a scientist, musician, printer, author, businessman and politician – a diverse range of roles, somehow all mastered by one man. As if that wasn’t enough, he even had a hand in the formation of the United States of America. All of which is to say, his attitude to life and work is certainly worth studying for anyone attempting to better themselves, the list seen here being a perfect start: a set of 13 virtues to live by, written by 20-year-old Franklin in 1726 in an attempt to “live without committing any fault at any time”. And follow them he did, until his death at 84, all the while keeping notes on his progress.

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 employ’d 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 extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

11. TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12. 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.

13. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.