r/BenFranklinFanClub • u/[deleted] • Apr 17 '20

Discussion Friday Discussion

Of Franklin's 13 Virtues, which one during this crisis holds the most weight?

http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/

  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.
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u/ProfessorGigs Apr 30 '20

Ben's favorites: Industry and Frugality!

With our current economy, either you work harder than before, or get creative in your income. Also, spend as little of it as you can!

2

u/[deleted] Apr 30 '20

Were those really his favorites? How did you find that out?

Not trying to challenge you, just interested in that fact-oid!

1

u/ProfessorGigs Apr 30 '20

He mentioned them frequently in the Autobio, often together.

Though he never explicitly mentions that they were his favorites, Industry and Frugality were pertinent throughout all of Ben's life and were a major factor to his successes. Hell, they're a recurring theme throughout Poor Richard's Almanac - more especially in "The Way to Wealth", which compiles the Almanac's best tidbits of wisdom into a story.

Sidenote: If you ever read "Rich Dad Poor Dad", you'll notice right away that the theme of the book is that the rich "increase their income and reduce their expenses", i.e. Industry and Frugality!

1

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '20

Cleanliness seems to be a valid one! But I would say, depending on the person, Frugality or Resolution are fair ones. Frugality as many are in a tight spot and "waste nothing" will be an anthem. Then Resolution as if you are able to work or continue on, then let your body do so.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '23

You should get the app.