Thirteen Virtues of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin kept a notebook of charts throughout his life in which he recorded his daily transgressions of thirteen virtues. His discipline included the choice of one virtue each week, upon which to focus his energies during his daily business. The record shows that he had trouble when it came to Silence and Order. We know he failed Chastity later in life; and a reputation accompanied by gout would indicate he frequently backslid on Temperance. Of course, his Industry is legendary.

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

Tranquility:

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