The Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

The awakened souls of great men and women throughout history have left the pearls of their wisdom for us to learn from and be inspired by.  Here are some from Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues

 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 extremes; forbear-resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS

       Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, 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 dullness, weakness, or

       the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13. HUMILITY

       Imitate Jesus and Socrates.