Benjamin Franklin, was born on this day in Boston, New England in the year 1706.
In his autobiography this great American listed some virtues and their precepts that he, as a young man, tried to achieve in his conduct of life. Whether he succeeded, or not, is irrelevant, for Franklin is nearly universally regarded as the kind of man who has earned the respect of all humanity.
These names of Virtues with their Precepts were
1. TEMPERANCE.
Eat not to Dulness.
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 Expence 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 unecessary Actions.
7. SINCERITY.
Use no hurtful Deceit.
Think innocently and justly;
and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. JUSTICE.
Wrong none, by doing injustice 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. TRANQUILITY.
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.
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