Only a few men on earth are as multi-talented as Benjamin Franklin. A self-taught man, who was an athlete, a printer, a scientist, an inventor, an editor a writer, a diplomat, a philosopher and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. Any conversation about American History is incomplete without referring to him.
A polymath by nature, what inspires me the most in his life is his personality. How he juggled everything, managed his time to acquire knowledge, build wealth and create relationships not only with people but nations – is something that intrigues me. He is a person just born 300 years ago (January 17, 1706); pretty modern to derive inspiration from!
His autobiography has his letters to his son to guide him and his biography by none other than Walter Isaacson explains even the minutest details of his life. Having read both, What inspires me the most is that he was a man with great principles and simple virtues.
Here are his 13 virtues as it is from his autobiography “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”
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 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 extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness – Tolerate no uncleanlinesws in body, cloths, 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 injury of your own or another’s peace and reputation.
13. Humility – Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Hope you liked this post!
What’s your favourite virtue among the 13? Feel free to comment!
Thanks for reading!
References:
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin By Benjamin Franklin Publisher: Touchstone (January 6, 2004) ISBN-13: 9780743255066
- Benjamin Franklin: An American Life By Walter Isaacson Publisher : Simon & Schuster; Illustrated edition (June 1 2004) ISBN-13 : 9780743258074