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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