http://thirteenvirtues.com/ (http://thirteenvirtues.com/)
I read the "Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" at a young age because my mother had a copy of the book. In it he lists the 13 virtues he considers every learned and prudent man should have.
QuoteTemperance. 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 employ'd 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, cloaths, or habitation.
Tranquillity. 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.
It is worth noting that later in life he was accused of being far less than chaste and something of a wine bibber, but from what I read in his book, he stayed fairly close to his list, which was written at age 20.
If you get a chance, his autobiography is definitely worth a read. He was a very astute guy. Without him, we would not have the nation that he and men like him created.
Ben's my favorite.
Quote from: "stromboli"It is worth noting that later in life he was accused of being far less than chaste and something of a wine bibber...
Yes, but this worked perfectly in his role as US ambassador to France. The more puritanical approach adopted by contemporary US ambassadors to France failed miserably.
I can get behind most, wish I had more of some, but also disagree with a few. But it's a pretty good list, if you're going to follow a list to determine what's best, might as well be this one.