13 Virtues by Benjamin Franklin

13 Virtues by Benjamin Franklin

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 uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

Tranquillity. 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.

It is really interesting that these 13 virtues described by Benjamin Franklin have many similarities with the teachings of the great writings of the Way of the Samurai (such as "HAKAGURE" and "The Code of Bushido") and more widely the teachings of Zen Buddhism in Nippon culture.

Thank you for this teaching Sir Pastor. PEACE.

I refer to these virtues more realistically as directions more than destinations, since none of these can be true destinations and only directions. The most important thing is to be honest to yourself when you're in obvious need of tending to any of these, and I also think that sometimes, some of us may neglect one or more of these due to seeing them as destinations, rendering them as impossible to reach as it is work that is never finished, and become discouraged. It happens to me from time to time, but when its approached more realistically it can be managed in a much more optimized way.

It is really interesting that these 13 virtues described by Benjamin Franklin have many similarities with the teachings of the great writings of the Way of the Samurai

Or with our own vows?

I remember reading these virtues for my American Literature class. Apparently, Ben Franklin's virtues are important for understanding his other writings as well.

http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/autobiography/page38.htm

Funny thing is...according to the history channel, while franklin did identify these virtues he didn't always follow them himself...

RyuJin wrote: Funny thing is...according to the history channel, while franklin did identify these virtues he didn't always follow them himself...

This is true of many of our leaders today. "Do as I say, not as I do" is their maxim.

I feel that I am an initiate, as I have been progressing through the lessons. I know that I may not fully understand the meanings of our order, but take the time to hear all interpretations of our code and how other apply it. I feel that we as eternal initiates can learn from your message, RyuJin, that people can know the virtues but not necessarily walk them. The choice remains ours to follow what we know to be right, or to walk contrary to it.

RyuJin wrote: Funny thing is...according to the history channel, while franklin did identify these virtues he didn't always follow them himself...

While a gret historical figure he was just human.

Expecting perfection disapoints.