- Temperance: eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
- Silence: speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
- Order: let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
- Resolution: resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
- Frugality: make no expense but to do good to others or to yourself; that is, waste nothing.
- Industry: lose no time; be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
- Sincerity: use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly.
- Justice: wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
- Moderation: avoid extremes; forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
- Cleanliness: tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
- Tranquility: be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
- 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.
- (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
