Edmund Morgan's (2003) biography of Benjamin Franklin elucidates the moral and intellectual imagination of a great historical figure. Drawing upon Franklin's autobiography, Morgan notes the virtues Franklin identified as useful and important to furthering Franklin's "...lifelong wish to be useful to his friends, to his countrymen, and mankind in general" (Morgan, 2003, p. 23).
Morgan cites Franklin's 13 virtues ("habits of behavior") he sought to cultivate, for "moral perfection." They are presented in part 2 of Franklin's autobiography. Interestingly, some of these character strengths and virtues have been identified by positive psychologists to promote well-being.
The 13 virtues and interpretations by Franklin are quoted below. (I have only made spelling/grammatical corrections for the modern reader):
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 action.
7) Sincerity- Use no harmful deceit
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 uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11) Tranquility- Be not disturbed by trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12) Chastity- Rarely use venery, but for the health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness or injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13) Humility- Imitate Jesus and Socrates
Temperance, justice and humility appear in positive psychology literature as personal, civic, and interpersonal character strengths. As you reflect upon Franklin's 13 virtues, are there some that find greater resonance than others for you? If you were asked, what qualities of mind, heart and action may lead to the "the good life," what might you answer?
Morgan cites Franklin's 13 virtues ("habits of behavior") he sought to cultivate, for "moral perfection." They are presented in part 2 of Franklin's autobiography. Interestingly, some of these character strengths and virtues have been identified by positive psychologists to promote well-being.
The 13 virtues and interpretations by Franklin are quoted below. (I have only made spelling/grammatical corrections for the modern reader):
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 action.
7) Sincerity- Use no harmful deceit
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 uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11) Tranquility- Be not disturbed by trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12) Chastity- Rarely use venery, but for the health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness or injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13) Humility- Imitate Jesus and Socrates
Temperance, justice and humility appear in positive psychology literature as personal, civic, and interpersonal character strengths. As you reflect upon Franklin's 13 virtues, are there some that find greater resonance than others for you? If you were asked, what qualities of mind, heart and action may lead to the "the good life," what might you answer?
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