The 13 Virtues of Ben Franklin

You may have heard that Ben Franklin came up with a list of 13 virtues which he considered essential for living a good and virtuous life. While he attempted to master these 13 virtues, he continually fell short, however, the goal was the pursuit of perfection, rather than perfection itself, which is unattainable. For sure!!!

Here is a pdf download of the list of Ben Franklin’s 13 virtues. Click the picture below to download the pdf.

The 13 virtues are a set of personal guidelines he devised to live a morally good and disciplined life. The virtues are (along with a brief description of each). I think it is interesting to note that Ben listed these in rough order from easiest to more difficult or, said another way, in a way that each one builds off of the previous.

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 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; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. 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.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

These virtues are still relevant today for several reasons:

1. Self-Improvement: The virtues promote continuous personal growth and self-improvement, which are timeless values.
2. Productivity and Success: Principles like industry, order, and resolution encourage productivity and effective time management, crucial for personal and professional success.
3. Ethical Behavior: Virtues such as sincerity, justice, and humility foster ethical behavior, which is important for building trust and integrity in personal and professional relationships.
4. Emotional Well-being: Practicing temperance, tranquility, and moderation can lead to better emotional health and resilience in facing life’s challenges.
5. Social Harmony: Silence, frugality, and cleanliness contribute to a harmonious social environment by promoting thoughtful communication, responsible resource use, and a clean living space.

Ben Franklin originally carried this list around with him, and for each day, he would make a mark next to the virtues in which he felt that he had failed that day. At the end of a period of time, he could examine the list, and those areas that had more marks indicated areas in which he required further refinement. It is probably not a bad idea to examine your own life periodically and continually.