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.
A good read! He was a very wise on so many levels. Thanks for reminding me of this list. May your week be blessed and kind.
ReplyDeleteP&L
Wes
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to study the life of Ben Franklin in college (he founded my University, so we spent a lot of time on him). He was great at articulating values and a shrewd politician. Dig deeper, though, and it comes out that -- like everyone else -- he was only human. There are a lot of similarities between him and some of the politicians of today.
Best,
Marty
I agree that those in the Senate or Congress could learn a thing or two from Benjamin. My great grandfather was named to honor him.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the words from the past are what is needed to be heard as we try to move forward.
ReplyDeleteThe Ben Franklin that is portrayed in the John Adams story does not seem the type to follow some of his own advice. Good thoughts, though.
ReplyDeleteI do so love Ben. A fellow Pennsylvanian and a truly intelligent person. He has about as many usable quotes as Einstein does. Only his are more clever. Though, I am certain be didn't always "walk the walk" as Marty said, we do know he was honorable and believed in the principles, while sometimes searching for exceptions. Our politicians today, don't even know what principles are, let alone try to live by them. Good thoughts, Ken.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah! Ours would be a better country!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff to remember and practice, although some of it seems too difficult at times.
ReplyDeleteDB
Aw, MAN! I'm having such trouble with "avoiding trifling conversations." Okay, "speak innocently and justly," too. Does this mean I'm supposed to keep reining it in and trying to work both sides of the aisle?
ReplyDeleteKen, I so wish our leaders knew how to value something. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeletehats off to him....
ReplyDelete