Thirteen Virtues by Benjamin Franklin

In his autobiography, Franklin recommends a pursuit of Thirteen Virtues.  He defines each virtue, and explains how they build upon one another.  The whole notion of the Thirteen Virtues emerged after Franklin took a critical look at his own behavior, and he found that too often he traveled down unvirtuous roads that “natural inclination, custom or company might lead me into.”  He fell short of his ideal in more than a dozen areas of his life, he concluded.  He ate and drank too much.  He talked too much, especially about himself.  He spent more money than he should.  He didn’t finish all his goals.  In short, he wrestled with the very same human nature that each of us are challenged by.  His list of Thirteen Virtues are, Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity and Humility.