The Benjamin Franklin 13-Week Self-improvement Challenge
Energy and persistence
conquer all things
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues
Franklin
tracked his progress on charts he created. The first letter of each day was
listed on the top and the first letter of each day was listen on the top and
the first letter of virtue was indicated down the left side. He would add a dot
if he fell short of meeting that virtue on a given day. Benjamin Franklin
carried these charts with him as a reminder of his personal plan of conduct. The
following 13 virtues continue to be relevant today. Next to each virtue is
Franklin’s defition.
1.
Temperance
“eat not to dullness”
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
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, if you 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 “I would never do anything that would disrespect
my wife.”
12.Tranquility
“Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or
unavoidable.”
13.Humility Like “Socrates.”
Choose The Right
