The Benjamin Franklin 13-Week Self-Improvement Challenge

Energy and persistence conquer all things.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues

Franklin tracked his progress on charts he created. The first letter of each day was listed on the top and the first letter of each virtue was indicated down the left side. He would add a dot if he felt he fell short of meeting that virtue on a given day. Benjamin Franklin carried these charts with him as a reminder of his personal plan of conduct.

The following 13 virtues continue to be relevant today. Next to each virtue is Franklin’s definition.

1. Temperance
“Eat not to dullness.”

2. Silence

“Speak not but what may benefit others to you. 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. “make no expense but to do well to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.”

6. Industry

“Lose no time. Be always employed 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. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.”

10. Cleanliness

“Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.”

11. Chastity

“I would never do anything that would disrespect my wife.”

12. Tranquility

“Be not disturbed at trifles"
13. Humility