Benjamin Franklin's Virtues to Live By

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Being temperate is avoiding the extremes. Don't drink or eat to excess, or indulge in anything beyond what is healthy. Its also compromises and finding the middle ground.

It's Self-Restraint

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

Gossip. Nothing good ever comes from it.

Order: Let all your things have their place; let each part of your business have its time.

Keep your priorities in order. Don't let the lust for money take precedence over hearth and home.

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

If you give your word, to your boss, friend, or family member, honor your promise. Do what you said you would do.

Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; ie., waste nothing.

A penny saved is a penny earned.



Strive to Live Within Your Means. Don't squander your money on fun and frolicking, and don't waste the resources God gave us.

Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.


Don't become a couch potato.

Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit' think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Lies trip off the tongue with ease, but in the end, you end up tripping over your tongue. Create a Kinder World: Say Something Nice. An honest complement beat a heartfelt lie any day of the week.

Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.


Do your duty.

Moderation. Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.


Don't hold a grudge.

Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation


Take a bath and use deodorant!

Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at rifles, 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.



Stay out of hotels that rent by the hour.

Humility. Imitate Jesus or Socrates.


Honor God in all you do.