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; that is, waste no thing.
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 deceive.
10. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles,
or at accidents common or unavoidable.
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.
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.
Franklin kept a notebook
and every day he recorded how
well he thought he had abided by
the rules of living he had written for himself.
