Ok, so most of us have heard about or are perhaps familiar with Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595, the young George copied them by hand at the age of 16.
But how many of you were aware of the 13 Virtues that Franklin had penned at the tender age of 20 (in 1726)? You may recall them. If not, I list them here:
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 extremes; 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 dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.”
13. “HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
With that, think of the VIRTUE you might practice today. Maybe pick one a day? If anything, it will be an exercise in bettering yourself. If only even for today.
Just my thoughts. Yours?
S.
