THE THIRTEEN VIRTUES

 

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.

2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself.

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; 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, clothes, or habitation.

11. Tranquility: 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.

Franklin borrowed from a number of philosophers and learned instructors in
formulating these thirteen virtues, including Jesus and Socrates.

It seems obvious that committing ourselves and our energies to working on
these essential areas would permit us to lead better lives.  We know from
history that Franklin was not always able to master at least some of these
areas.  The task, rather, is one of effort and direction for improvement, on
a continual basis, in each of these areas.  And, candid assessment of our
strengths and weaknesses in each of these areas will point each of us in the
direction in which we need to move to best channel that improvement.

Fraternally,
Steven K. Robison, PM
Editor, TrestleBoard
Jackson Lodge #146
Seymour, IN