The Thirteen Virtues

by Benjamin Franklin

Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.
Silence
: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
Order
: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
Resolution
: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
Frugality
: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
Industry
: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
Sincerity
: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; if you speak, speak accordingly.
Justice
: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
Cleanliness
: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health and offspring — never to dullness, weakness, or the
injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
Humility
: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

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