The Benjamin franklin 13- week self-improvement change
Energy and
persistence conquer all things. Benjamin franklin
Benjamin franklin, scientist, inventor and a principal
architect of the United States declaration of independence and constitution,
may have been the first self-improvement expert, too.
In 1726, a young 20-years-old franklin was crossing the Atlantic
to England back to Philadelphia. During his 80-day journey, Benjamin franklin
used the time to develop a personal plan of conduct. His plan consisted of 13
virtues listed below.
Franklin committed to focusing on one virtue per week. At the
end of the 13th week, he would start the process over again; thus, cycling
through the plan four times a year. Ben franklin followed the plan until his
death at age 79. He found comfort and happiness in each of the virtues and used
these to guide his entire life.
Benjamin franklin’s 13 virtues
Franklin tracked his progress on charts he created. The first
letter of each day was listened 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 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 no to dullness.”
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 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 thing 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, or at accidents
common or unavoidable.”
13.
Humility
Like “Socrates.”
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