Franklin's 13 Virtues for Moral Perfection

As I was searching for material for an article I happen
to run into the autobiography of Franklin. I have to admit
that I only briefly read through some of the chapters. In
chapter 8 I found the following.


Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues for "Moral Perfection"

It was about this time I conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of
arriving at moral perfection........I included under thirteen names
of virtues all that at that time occurr'd to me as necessary or
desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which fully
express'd the extent I gave to its meaning.

These names of virtues, with their precepts, were


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 employ'd 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 extreams; forbear resenting
injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body,
cloaths, or habitation.

11. TRANQUILITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at
accidents common or unavoidable.

12. CHASTITY. Rarely use venery (sex) 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.

From "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" Chapter 8


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