After reading Benjamin Franklin's autobiography I was impressed with the way in which this man consciously cultivated his virtues. He actually developed a system for developing his character. That is amazing. Unfortunately in the poisoned culture we live in today this is basically unheard of. Here are the virtues which Benjamin deemed most important in the cultivation of a sound character:
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; always be 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, cloaths, 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.
This was clearly a man who didn't F around. He went as far as to carry around a diary to track his progress:
Benjamin put these virtues in the order which he thought them most convenient to acquire. In theory, the power built from the proper acquisition of the previous virtue will assist in the acquirement of the present.
Since reading this book I have done my best to develop these virtues within my conduct. I believe that if this planet is going to turn and head in a better direction it needs more men of virtue. We need these men sooner rather than later as we head further towards a society destitute of morality.
My vision for a better future is one where we no longer worship flags, religions, sports, and celebrities, but one where we pay reverence to virtue and morality.
Plato once said, ignorance is the root and stem of all evil.
I believe that western culture has been intentionally manipulated into a state of admiration and adoration for the superficial. It's up to us now as a collective to pull ourselves out of this situation.
Thanks for reading.