What are the Thirteen Virtues of Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin He was without a doubt one of the most influential politicians of the 18th century. However, the one considered as one of the "Founding Fathers of the United States" He also became famous for writing all kinds of scientific books such as "Experiments and observations on electricity " along with numerous autobiographical accounts until his death in 1790.
In most of them, spoken of "Thirteen Virtues" that he tried to follow throughout his long life and we will talk about in the next article. We explain what are those thirteen virtues of Benjamin Franklin below.
The 13 virtues of Benjamin Franklin
1. Temperance
"Do not eat until boredom; never drink to exaltation "
Benjamin Franklin believed that in the middle term was virtue, something that would allow good people to make decisions more tranquil and calm thinking always in the common good.
2. Silence
"Speak only what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid insignificant conversations. "
This American political scientist bet on silence whenever a discussion or dispute had no meaning. Otherwise, we will only try to give our point of view without any result causing a great sense of stress and anguish. Feelings that ultimately are very harmful to our physical and mental health.
3. Order
"May all your things have its place. May all your affairs have their moment. "
What is the point of putting all our strength into something that we know has no solution? Sometimes we insist that things go as we want. However, we do not realize that maybe this is not the right time for it. Hence, it is better to put our ideas in order and then act accordingly.
4. Determination
“Solve to do what you should do; perform without fail what you solved ".
Human determination and will are capable of moving mountains if we really propose it. Therefore, if we really believe that with our actions we can change the world, nothing and no one should take us out of our efforts.
5. Frugality
"Spend only on what brings good for others or for you."
Acting for the common good has more benefits than we believe. We will get others to appreciate us more because we have acted in their benefit and well-being. While at the same time this will make us feel better about ourselves.
6. Diligence
“Do not waste your time. Take care of something useful. Cut all unnecessary actions ".
Time is something very precious that we must take care of with great suspicion. If we waste it, we will also be neglecting our life. This is a gift that the universe has given us to always do good and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
7. Sincerity
“Do not use tricks that can hurt, think innocently and fairly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. "
The truth is one of the virtues of the human being that will serve to feel completely free. We own our words and therefore it is very important that they stick to the reality we are counting at all times.
8. Justice
“Do not hurt anyone with insults or omitting to deliver the benefits that are your duty "
Without justice we would stop being human beings to become mere savages. Our facts are what define us as people. And therefore we should always be fair to others and enrich ourselves only through our own creations.
9. Moderation
“Avoid extremes; refrain from insulting resentment as much as you think you deserve it. "
Putting yourself in either of the two extremes will only cause us to have a distorted view of reality. For this reason, we always have to look for the middle term (as we have explained in the first point). In this way, nothing will exalt us and we will take any opinion as valid.
10. Cleaning
"Do not tolerate the lack of cleanliness in the body, dress or room"
Cleaning in any area of our lives means that in the long term we are more "spirit-free" people.
11. Tranquility
"Do not bother about trivialities or common and inevitable accidents".
Everything in this life has a solution except death. And if in the end you realize that this problem has no way out, you just have to stay calm and wait for a new opportunity that comes your way in life.
12. Chastity
“He rarely frequents sexual pleasure; only do it for health or offspring, never for boredom, weakness or to insult the peace or reputation of someone else or someone else.”
Many times we have the preconceived idea that through sex and the mere fact of practicing it with anyone, will make us happier people.However, this can sometimes have the opposite effect, since surrendering our privacy to someone that is not really to our liking will only cause our self-esteem to deteriorate.
11. Humanity
Everything that we have described in all the points can be summarized simply in the virtue of humanity. A premise that must be in all the hearts of men and women until the end of days. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Psychologist. We advise you to consult your trusted Psychologist.
