In his 20's, Ben Franklin devised a list of virtues to live by and tracked his progress in being attentive to the virtues in a small book for many years. When I read them again recently, I realized that at one point, many years ago, these virtues came naturally to me. Those are innocent times! I'm sure that is the case with many people.
However, over the years I've grown a bit careless, unthoughtful, selfish, and reckless in my behavior and have only recently realized it. With that in mind, I'm making a pledge to get myself back on track and out of a rut. In doing so, I'm using Ben Franklin's 13 virtues and am keeping track of my progress. They seem to be a common sense approach to living a balanced life that puts others ahead of one's self- and I know from experience- that's what makes me the happiest. So...wish me luck; I'll keep you posted!
1. Temperance:
Eat not to dullness and 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 employed 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. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness:
Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11. Chastity:
Rarely use venery but for health; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
12. Tranquility:
Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
13. Humility:
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
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