Around 1730, in his late 20s, Benjamin franklin listed thirteen virtues that he felt important guides for living. Along with each virtue Franklin included a principle to follow that – in his opinion- would define a person behaviour and social character traits.
01. Temperance
Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
02. Order
Let all your things have their place; Let each part of your business have it’s time.
03. Resolution
Resolve to perform what you ought; Perform without fail what you resolve.
04. Frugality
Make no expense but to do good to others or your self; i.e. Waste nothing.
05. Moderation
Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
06. Industry
Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
07. Cleanliness
Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
08. Tranquility
Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
09. Silence
Speak not but what may benefit others or your self; Avoid trifling conversation.
10. Sincerity
Use no hurtful deceit; Think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
11. Justice
Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
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. Humanity
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
It’s not easy to follow, but giving a try is worth. Have fun and let it naturally plagued into your life and become a habit that you cant imagine the result will be, it will change the way we appreciate our life and influence directly to people around us.
Chimi Kyo 