Ben Franklin’s Two Daily Questions and 13 Virtues

From Benjamin Franklin ‘s  Autobiography:


ASK THESE QUESTIONS OF YOURSELF DAILY:

The Morning Question: What Good shall I do this Day?

The Evening Question: What Good have I done to day?

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BEN FRANKLIN’S THIRTEEN MORAL 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 employ’d 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 Extreams. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness.
Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Cloaths 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.

2 thoughts on “Ben Franklin’s Two Daily Questions and 13 Virtues

  1. Pingback: Increase Effectiveness With This Simple Morning Ritual | Accidental Creative

  2. Pingback: All Work and No Play … Makes Jack a Dull Employer – Urban Times

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