Working at Virtue

"I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example and reap the benefit."

- Benjamin Franklin when talking about his character development plan.

Most people hear the name Benjamin Franklin and probably think of him flying a kite in the thunderstorm, printing newspapers or his image on a hundred dollar bill. An aspect of his life probably less well known is his plan for developing his virtues. In 1726 at the age of 20 Ben Franklin choose to purposefully and methodically develop his character and he devoted his life to the endeavor. He admitted in his biography to not always having practiced or pursued their development but he did try. Are you trying?

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13 Virtues

Temperance - Eat not to dullness, drink not to elation.

Silence - Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid triffling conversation.

Order - Let all of 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.

Industry - Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cutoff all unnecessary actions.

Sincerity - Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and, if you speak. speak accordingly.

Justice - Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Moderation - Avoid extremes, forebear 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 or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or others peace or reputation.

Humility - Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

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So my question to you is simple.
Do you even know what your virtues are?