Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues

It is no secret to any American who Benjamin Franklin was. Being native to Philadelphia, I was indoctrinated on his life and accomplishments at an early age, leaving the classroom with some absurd and ignorant view of “I guess this guy invented electricity while flying a kite, or something like that.” As I grew older, I recognized the wisdom this man possessed and the discipline put on display for any and all of his endeavors. It wasn’t until I stumbled acrost a list of reading recommended by Elon Musk that I decided to pick up Ben Franklin’s autobiography. Years later, I am tempted to return to that same book, it has become very apparent to me, it is by no accident this man was inducted into the hall of fame of history.

Ben Franklin seemed to have his hands in everything. Born in 1706, it was at the age of 11 that his inventive brain took off. Franklin was a swimmer, and he decided to make some swim fins for his hands. The significance of this creativity is typically missed, but should be considered one of the first signs Ben was destined for greatness. I say this because Leonardo Da Vinci also crafted a similar design. Greatness seems to follow a pattern.

He went on to do much more for Philadelphia and the United States. Looking back at his actions now, it seemed he just became adept at identifying issues and implementing solutions. My favorite of which, was the creation of the Fugio cent. Having an interest in numismatics, the design of that coin is by far my favorite. The double entendre of “Mind Your Business” pressed onto the first official coin in circulation within the United States is just beautiful. Something I find myself needing a reminder of often, if only we still used such phrases, perhaps the country’s current social dilemma would not be present. However, reviewing his accomplishments in great detail will take precedence on another day. Today, the focus is on his 13-virtues.

On page 38 of Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, he decided to go into detail of how he attempted to hone in on moral perfection. Something I took a mental note of the time, that I would return to it and embark on a similar conquest. What better time than now to hone virtue, a time when it seems less are interested in personal virtue and would rather flow with the crowd. I will begin my writing project with a 13-week exercise, practicing the same virtues he found important. Questioning his definition of such, defining them myself, intentionally considering success and failure with said virtues. I intend on writing about such at the end of each week beginning with the virtue of Temperance.

The 13-virtues included: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility. He began this project around 20-years old.

Very similar reading list: https://fs.blog/elon-musk-book-recommendations/

Benjamin Franklin's Swim fins: https://ushistory.org/historic-personages/franklin/science/swimfins

Autobiography Page 38: https://ushistory.org/historic-personages/franklin/autobiography/page38