Category:Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and served as an ambassador to France.

Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography (see references below) lists his thirteen virtues as:


 * "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 yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
 * "INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ'd 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 extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
 * "CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
 * "TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
 * "CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
 * "HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."