Benjamin Franklin's Creed and List of Virtues

Aug 23, 2009 11:28



That there is One God, who made all things. That He governs the world by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped with adoration, prayer, and thanksgiving. But that the most acceptable service of God is doing good to men. That the soul is immortal. And that God will certainly reward virtue and punish vice, either here or hereafter.

Temperance
Eat not to Dullness. Drink not to Elevation.

Silence
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling Conversation.

Order
Let all your Things have their Places. Let each Part of your Business have its Time.

Resolution
Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

Frugality
Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing.

Industry
Lose no Time. Be always employ'd in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.

Sincerity
Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice
Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.

Moderation
Avoid Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Cleanliness
Tolerate no Uncleanliness in Body, Clothes, or Habitation.

Tranquility
Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.

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.

Humility
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

virtues, benjamin franklin, wisdom

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