Benjamin Frankiln's "Art of Virtue"

In his partially completed autobiography, Benjamin Franklin shared 13 virtues and the monitoring system he used, as he sought to invoke the 13 virtues into his daily life. As one of most generative of our Founding Father's, I share them with you as a tribute on Independence Day.

The Art of Virtue

by: Benjamin Franklin

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 Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness.
Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Clothes or Habitation.

11 . Tranquility.
Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.

12. Chastity.
Rarely use Venery, [indulgence in or pursuit of sexual activity], but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another's Peace or Reputation.

13. Humility.
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

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In a great country that provides unequaled freedoms, we are all free to be virtuous as well. Happy Independence Day!