Benjamin Franklin, one of the founders of this great American society and a genius in his own right was a man that lived by principle. He was 20 years old when he made a decision to create framework for a way of living that will transform his entire life. He set out to cultivate his character by recording 13 virtues. His goal was to focus on improving one each week. He tracked his progress using a journal with seven columns for each day of the week. At the top of the page, he wrote “Short Precept”. This was an explanation of what the Virtue meant to him. Each evening, he would make the day with a black spot if he failed that virtue. His goal was to have no black spots.
- Temperance: Consume mindfully, avoiding overeating and overindulgence in drink.
- Silence: Speak purposefully, focusing on conversations that benefit others or oneself.
- Order: Organize belongings and allocate time efficiently for each aspect of your life.
- Resolution: Commit to fulfilling obligations and follow through on your promises.
- Frugality: Spend wisely, focusing on actions that benefit others or yourself without waste.
- Industry: Maximize productivity, always engaging in useful activities and eliminating unnecessary ones.
- Sincerity: Refrain from harmful deceit, maintaining honest thoughts and communication.
- Justice: Treat others fairly, avoiding harm and providing due benefits.
- Moderation: Steer clear of extremes, and practice restraint in responding to perceived wrongs.
- Cleanliness: Maintain personal hygiene, proper attire, and a tidy living environment.
- Tranquility: Remain calm in the face of minor troubles or unavoidable incidents.
- Chastity: Engage in intimate relations responsibly, considering health, family, and reputation.
- Humility: Embrace the examples set by Jesus and Socrates in demonstrating modesty.
This is an exceptionally cool exercise in personal development. I believe everyone should have a standard set of virtues by which they govern their lives. Just as Franklin, believed, it is designed to help you grow, become a better and more successful person.
