Virtues

In case I haven't mentioned it, I really like Benjamin Franklin. When he was a youth, he liked to swim and play with kites. So one day he got into the Boston Harbor and was propelled across by the wind and his kite. I think that sounds like fun except that I'm scared of water courtesy of Walt McElroy who tried to drown me in Shane Steinke's pool when I was in Cub Scouts.

Ben Franklin strove to do good. To this end he developed a personal code of virtues. B.F. would focus on one virtue for a week's time, then move on to the next until he came as close as he could to perfecting all of the virtues. I think B.F.'s virtues are pretty good, and I hope you do too. Here they are!

1. Temperence – 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; that is, waste nothing.
6. Industry – Lose no time; be always employed 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
13. Humility – Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

If you want to practice these virtues, I've prepared a spreadsheet where you can track your progress. It's fun. Let me know if you want me to e-mail it to you.