Benjamin Franklin Thought Everyone Should Possess These 13 Virtues
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 but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
As for how to acquire these virtues, Franklin advised: