Your image of Ben Franklin may be him flying a kite in a lightning storm with a key on the string. Or perhaps the author of Poor Richard's Almanac. Or perhaps a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Or on that wad of $100's in your wallet.
Franklin lived in that 18th century Age of Enlightenment when it was possible to "know everything". Franklin was author, scientist, philosopher, statesman, diplomat, inventor, civic leader, postmaster, printer, man of the world.
He also lived in a time when rules of gentlemanly conduct were pre-eminent. It was important to men of stature to exhibit good character. Franklin developed a system that he rigorously followed to improve his character based on 13 virtues. He focused on one of the virtues during each week of the year, "leaving all others to their ordinary chance." Serendipitously, 52 is divisible by 13 so each virtue received special attention 4 times a year. He admittedly fell short many times but believed the attempt made him a better man and contributed to his happiness. In his autobiography, more ink is devoted to the virtues than any other topic.
Franklin developed the 13 virtues list when he was 20, and followed this regimen his entire life.
- 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 extremes; 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 dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
- Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
In Franklin's words, "I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example and reap the benefit."
However in this age of rage, I wonder if any of us is capable.
Copyright © 2018 Dave Hoplin
