The Moral Perfection Project

In 1733 Benjamin Franklin began a project for self improvement. He listed 13 virtues he would work on. He thought this a managable list and so it helped him to focus on what he thought was important. This is his list together with his definitions of virtue.

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; thing 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, clothes, or habitation.
Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
Humility: (this last was added at a friend’s suggestion. – JL)

His project aimed for success in this world and not so much as exaulting his soul in the next. He strove for the practical.

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Pictured: Benjamin Franklin at his regular day job, working in the printing office.

More information: Wikipedia, Franklin's Autobiography