Ben Franklin's time-tested essay on virtue and how to live a good and happy life is an excellent tool for finding that balance each of us craves. Franklin vowed to put these virtues to use each day in his life and to live them out fully.
Here is the list of virtues, in Franklin's words:
Temperance
Eat not to Dullness. Drink not to Elevation.
Silence
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling Conversation.
Order
Let all 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; i.e. Waste nothing.
Industry
Lose no Time. Be always employ'd in something useful. Cut off 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. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.
Cleanliness
Tolerate no Uncleanness 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 another's Peace or Reputation.
Humility
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Franklin's commitment to living a life of virtue has inspired millions to strike a balance in their lives, to find that perfect blending of the self with others and feeling that while important things are accomplished, the little things in life are not forgotten. Franklin's 13 virtues are just a relevant today as they were 250 years ago.
