Benjamin Franklin’s rules for a virtuous life (not always for him)

  At age 20, while contemplating what he needed to do to develop a good character, Benjamin Franklin created a list of 13 virtues and thereafter sought to practice them in his daily life. Almost 300 years later, they are still commendable.

1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

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; 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.

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, three hundred eighteen years ago today.

Of course Franklin is not remembered for his chastity. With regard to the 12th virtue on his list, we might wonder how he interpreted "rarely" and "but for health."

The portrait of Franklin is by the French painter Joseph-Siffred Duplessis and is in the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.