Ben Franklin’s Virtues – Part 4

Ben had a reputation for loving the ladies, at least, on a mental level. Besides beauty, he loved an active mind.

It’s easy to imagine that he felt freer to explore certain subjects with a lady. Less need to be guarded when heading into test theories and possibilities.

And it probably did make the practice of some of his virtues, on some days, easier than others.

The third group of four, of Ben’s 13 Virtues

9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve

10. Cleanliness .Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloths, 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

Again, balance plays a big role in Ben’s virtues. Moderation reflects another note on each of the other virtues. A middle path has a lot to recommend it.

Cleanliness is another form of Industry, and Tranquility another form of Silence. Chastity, another form of Temperance.

Interesting how growth is a spiral, and the themes on the wheel come back around, but in a different octave.

More to come…