Ben Franklin's 13 Virtues

Franklin once created a list of 13 virtues to live by. Did Franklin himself take his own advice? Sometimes. Sometimes not. "Be temperate in wine, in eating, girls, and cloth, or the Gout will seize you and plague you both," Franklin wrote. Franklin definitely enjoyed his food, loved the company of women, and at times put on the dog to influence the way people perceived him. And Franklin did suffer from gout for much of his life. Like most of us, Franklin aspired to perfection but due to being human often fell short. Here for your pondering pleasure are the thirteen virtues that Franklin strove to live by:

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation

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

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; that is, waste nothing

Industry: Lose not time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; 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 you deserve

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or 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