Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, developed a system of thirteen virtues that he believed were important for personal growth and self-improvement. His thirteen virtues are:
- 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 employed 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
Franklin strove to implement these virtues into his life by focusing on one virtue per week and tracking his progress each day. He kept a record of each time he violated one of the virtues and worked to correct his behavior. He believed that by focusing on these virtues, he could become a better person and contribute to society in a more meaningful way.
Throughout his life, Franklin remained committed to these virtues and worked to instill them in others. He believed that personal responsibility and self-improvement were key to creating a better society, and he sought to model these values through his own behavior. Today, Franklin’s thirteen virtues remain an enduring example of the power of self-discipline and personal growth.
I’ve met numerous people that have heard of Franklin’s 13 virtues. I’ve met only a handful of people that have actually ever tried to instill them into their lives. I’ve met many people that seek to improve their life in some way, but ever fewer that have a road map and a means to track their progress.
What positive steps have you implemented into your life to improve your life? What virtues or character traits would you like to improve in yourself?