Ben Franklin’s Virtues, Others and Me.
Pre-Academy Social Studies
Mr. White
Unquestionably Ben Franklin is one of America’s greatest leaders and most
important figures from the Colonial and Revolutionary Periods. In his late 2o’s
Franklin listed 13 virtues he felt were important guides to everyday living. He
attempted to live by these virtues the remainder of his life. In addition to keeping
track of his progress daily in relation to them, he selected a virtue to focus on
every week. Poor Richard’s Almanac placed particular emphasis on the virtues
and in a letter to his son William; Franklin admonished him to adopt a similar
course in life.
George Washington completed a task similar in principle when by age 16 he
copied by hand 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and
Conversation. They are based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in
1595. Washington was guided by the spirit of these rules on civility.
Some examples are:
 4thIn the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise,
nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
 40thStrive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your
Judgment to others with Modesty.
 44thWhen a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him
that did it.
 56thAssociate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own
Reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad Company.
In a related manner Thomas Jefferson composed 10 rules to guide his life.
1. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
3. Never spend your money before you have it.
4. Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap; it will be dear to you.
5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.
6. Never repent of having eaten too little.
7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
8. Don’t let the evils which have never happened cause you pain.
9. Always take things by their smooth handle.
10. When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry count to one
hundred.
1
Franklin’s Virtues
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 employed in something useful; cut off all
unnecessary actions.
Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; 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, cloths, 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.
Your Assignment
1. Develop a personalized list of virtues to guide your life.
List 5 virtues and follow each with a brief explanation of the desirable quality and
why you have chosen this as a guide for life; a good paragraph of 6-8 sentences
should suffice. This task must be typed and creatively displayed in written
format. Lined paper is not acceptable! Pencil is not acceptable. Try
not be any larger than a ½ sheet of poster board. Do not use one of
Franklin’s virtues.
2. Review your virtues. What 6th virtue would you add that would help
you be academically successful in Middle School, High School and
College? Again I need a strong paragraph explaining why that
particular virtue is necessary to future success.
3. Pair a saying from Poor Richard’s Almanac which compliments or reinforces
your virtue. When you describe your virtue include the saying from Poor
Richard’s Almanac.
2
4. Compose a one to two page essay describing how your virtues make
you a better citizen and advance s the cause of civic virtue. How does
society or humanity benefit from your virtues?
Point Value
Each Virtue 5 pts each
30 points
Meets criteria for virtue and described.
Excellent grammar and writing mechanics.
Product Presentation
15 points
Is it neat, creatively arranged and appealing to the eye?
Demonstrates effort.
Almanac
5 points
Does it tie to the virtue and compliment/support it?
Essay
50
Essay draws a clear connection between your personal virtues and your role as a
citizen in society. Describes in detail how your virtues improve humanity and
makes you a better citizen of society.
Total
100 points
Due Date: December 17
Virtue –noun
1. Moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.
2. Conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles;
uprightness; rectitude.
“Civic virtue is the cultivation of habits of personal living that are claimed to be
important for the success of the community. The identification of the character
traits that constitute civic virtue have been a major concern of political
philosophy. The term civility refers to behavior between persons and groups that
conforms to a social mode (that is, in accordance with the civil society), as itself
being a foundational principle of society and law.” Copied.
Virtue carries the idea of a beneficial moral quality such as kindness, patience,
compassion or loyalty. A virtue is a commendable character or moral trait.
Athleticism, physical strength or being artistic while desirable, do not rise to the
level of being a virtue.
3