Tuesday 7 July 2009

Franklin's Virtues

After some happiness hopping on the internet, I came across Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues. Apparently this man, who was in his late 20s when making the list followed these rules until death. Nobody is perfect, and living according to these guidances all the time is nearly impossible, but I do think that they serve as a type of inspiration for those who are trying to be better people in a world that is very egocentric and money-oriented.

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 employ'd 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 extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
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. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Franklin himself carried around a little book with a page for each virtue, he then evaluated himself and his behaviour at the end of each day.

http://www.school-for-champions.com/character/franklin_virtues.htm
http://www.diyplanner.com/templates/official/hpda/addons/franklin

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