There is a list of 13 virtues by which Benjamin Franklin strove to live his life, and which he tracked on a daily basis in a journal in order that he may eventually live, by his account, a morally perfect life.
While I don't strive for moral perfection, at least not actively, I do refer to these on a regular basis.
And I might argue slightly with the wording of No. 12. (ie - replace the word 'rarely'.) But otherwise I think it's a fabulously simple and easily referenced guideline for walkin' the talk.
For the inquisitive masses, let it be known that I have to work hardest on numbers 4 and 11. They jumped out at me right away. Like, RIGHT away.
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 uncleanliness 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 dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.13. HUMILITY.
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Actually, I think I read that someone else who'd read his list suggested the last one to him but he eventually removed it from his list because it just wasn't him. I'm gonna look into that and get back to you.
Posted by: elizabeth | Wednesday, 05 October 2005 at 08:22 PM
Ben Franklin was one of the greatest men and a great lover of venery!!! Just read The Great Improvisation about his time in France and he was a Numero Uno horn-dog!!! Having said that, I always like the list and he would actually chart his progress on a weekly basis... Penny
Posted by: Penny | Thursday, 06 October 2005 at 08:49 AM
I seem to have trouble with number six. I get sidetracked very easily. I guess there are worse things .... Tina
Posted by: Tina | Thursday, 06 October 2005 at 10:37 AM
Somebody has already touched on this, but don't forget number 14. Leave your wife in the colonies, go to Europe, and have all the sex you can. :)
Peace!
Posted by: Alvis | Thursday, 06 October 2005 at 07:37 PM
Sincerity.
Always be sincere.
Whether you mean it or not.
Posted by: daisiejane | Friday, 07 October 2005 at 11:57 AM