The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
"Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy."
I was at first resisting this book but as I continued reading it, I began to develop a great admiration for Benjamin Franklin. Although I admit that he is a bit too radical for my taste.
Franklin attempts to make a purely objective description and observation of his life as facts, as he says, he doesn't intend to apologize for his actions, merely relate them as they were.
What really caught my attention was his 13 Virtues Table, in which he made a check, or a dot, everytime he faltered regarding a certain virtue. I also enjoyed how and why he came to develop that Virtue System.
His 13 Virtues are:
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.
I was at first resisting this book but as I continued reading it, I began to develop a great admiration for Benjamin Franklin. Although I admit that he is a bit too radical for my taste.
Franklin attempts to make a purely objective description and observation of his life as facts, as he says, he doesn't intend to apologize for his actions, merely relate them as they were.
What really caught my attention was his 13 Virtues Table, in which he made a check, or a dot, everytime he faltered regarding a certain virtue. I also enjoyed how and why he came to develop that Virtue System.
His 13 Virtues are:
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.