Character Traits from Benjamin Franklin
Some years ago I came across this article about “Franklin’s Thirteen Subjects.” When I examined them for myself I found that I already do most of the thirteen.
Here are Ben’s Thirteen Subjects that he lived by.
- Temperance — Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence- Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conservation.
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; 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 deserve.
10. Cleanliness — Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation.
11. Tranquility — Be no disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chasity — Rarely use venery (sexual indulgence) but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
13. Humility — Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
I find that when you live by these “Thirteen Subjects,” that life goes by a little easier. Don’t get me wrong I am not perfect at each one of them. But for the most of them, I am successful.
If only these “Thirteen Subjects” were taught in schools we wouldn’t have all this violence going on. If the human race would practice each of these “Subjects” everyone would get along a little better.
Along with Ben’s “Thirteen Subjects” I found a poem that goes along with number three from his “Subjects.”
Here it is;
There may be nothing wrong with you, The way you live, the work you do,
But I can very plainly see, Exactly what is wrong with me.
It isn’t that I’m indolent or dodging duty by intent;
I work as hard as anyone, And yet I get so little done,
The morning goes, the noon is here, Before I know, the night is near,
And all around me, I regret, Are things I haven’t finished yet.
If I could just get organized!
I oftentimes have realized, Not all that matters is the man;
The man must also have a plan.
With you, there may be nothing wrong, But here’s my trouble right along;
I do the things that don’t amount to very much, of no account,
That really seem important though, And let a lot of matters go,
I nibble this, I nibble that, But never finish what I’m at.
I work as hard as anyone,
And yet, I get so little done, I’d do so much you’d be surprised,
If I could just get organized!
by Mrs Douglas Malloch
