Benjamin Franklin’s 12 (13) Virtues for Self-Improvement

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 to yourself; that is, 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 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 for offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
  13. (BONUS*) Humility; imitate Jesus and Socrates.

*There were originally only 12 virtues, but Franklin was kindly reminded by a friend that he had pride issues. So he added #13, but he would struggle with it for his entire life. [1]

Which of these virtues resonates most with you? Do you have a list of virtues or guiding principles? I would love to see what you’re striving towards! Tweet @ me or drop me an email at contactshelbysmith.co@gmail.com.

[1] Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson