Ben Franklin’s Virtues – Part 2

Ben Franklin was forward thinking in a number of ways.

His self-devised program of focusing on his list of 13 Virtues, in weekly succession, was just one of his innovations. Central heating, bifocals and the lightening rod and other inventions are all attributed to his resourceful mind.

And his success in business is certainly attributable to his cultivation of his virtues. They are qualities for success. Any modern entrepreneur can benefit from this kind of self-development as well.

The first four of Ben’s 13 Virtues

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

The first three qualities speak to balance. All things in moderation, whether they be food, drink, speaking or tidiness.

Resolution means making your word good. If you decide to do something, say you are going to do it, you owe it to yourself to follow through. Resolution brings forth self-confidence and respect.

More to come…