Throughout history, people
have been concerned about figuring out their values and trying to live by them.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), the American printer, author, diplomat, and
scientist, was one of the writers of the Declaration
of Independence. He also helped draft the U.S. Constitution. In his
autobiography, Franklin explains how he tried to change his behaviour by
describing and then trying to live by his values, which he called “virtues.”
How are Franklin’s value applicable today? Which is Franklin’s values do you
share?
The 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 employed in something
useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7) Sincerity: Use no harmful deceit. Think innocently and justly;
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) Tranquillity: 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.
[Taken from: Franklin
Benjamin, The Autobiography of Benjamin
Franklin and Selections from His Other Writings. New York: Random House,
1994, pg. 93-95. *Sexual activity.]
Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)
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