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    Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.

    In The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, we find a list of thirteen virtues that Franklin thought were necessary or desirable to conduct a person’s day-to-day life. Virtues are character traits considered morally good and valued for their ability to promote individual and societal well-being. These names of virtues, with their precepts, were:

1. Temperance: ‘Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation’—practice moderation in food and drink. Avoid excess and practice moderation.

2. Silence: ‘Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation’—speak only when your words are useful, truthful, or helpful. Avoid gossip and unnecessary talk.

3. Order: ‘Let your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time’—keep your belongings, work, and daily activities organised and well-planned.

5. Frugality: ‘Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing’—spend money wisely. Avoid waste and use resources only for beneficial purposes.

6. Industry: ‘Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions’—work hard and use your time productively. Avoid laziness and unnecessary activities.

7. Sincerity: ‘Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly’—be honest and truthful. Do not deceive others in words or actions.

8. Justice: ‘Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty’—treat everyone fairly. Do not harm others and help when it is your duty.

10. Cleanliness: ‘Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation’—keep your body, clothes, home, and surroundings neat and clean.

11. Tranquillity: ‘Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable’—stay calm and peaceful. Do not let small problems or unavoidable events upset you.

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’—exercise self-control over physical desires and maintain respect for yourself and others.

13. Humility: ‘Imitate Jesus and Socrates’—be modest and willing to learn from others. Do not be arrogant or boastful.

    Benjamin wrote in his autobiography: ‘Together, these virtues form a practical guide for self-improvement, helping a person develop discipline, good character, wisdom, and harmonious relationships with others.     Knowing virtues is like having a map; adopting them is actually taking the journey.   I intend to acquire the habitude of all these virtues. I judged it would be well not to distract my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix one at a time; and, when I became the master of that, I proceed to another, and so on, till I should have gone through all the thirteen; and, the previous acquisition of some might facilitate the acquisition of certain others, I arranged them with that view, as they stand above.’

    Franklin’s thirteen virtues are not merely moral principles. They are qualities that literature repeatedly explores through its characters and plots. Heroes often embody virtues such as sincerity, industry, justice, and humility, while tragedies frequently arise from their absence. Thus, Franklin’s code of self-improvement and the lessons of great literature share a common goal: the development of wisdom, character, and a meaningful life. There are many examples of his virtues in literature and mythology.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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