We live in a world of constant distraction, endless to-do lists, and digital noise. The quest for self-improvement often leads us to new apps, complex productivity hacks, and trendy life coaches. But what if one of the most powerful frameworks for personal growth was written nearly 300 years ago by a man with a kite and a key?
That man was Benjamin Franklin, and his system for “moral perfection”, his 13 Virtues, remains a stunningly practical and profound guide to building character and living a meaningful life.
Franklin didn’t see these as rigid commandments, but as muscles to be exercised. He focused on one virtue per week, tracking his progress in a little book. While “moral perfection” eluded even him, he credited the practice with making him a better, happier, and more successful man.
So, let’s dust off this colonial classic and see how we can apply Franklin’s timeless wisdom to our 21st-century lives.
Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues: A Modern Interpretation
Here is Franklin’s original list, followed by a practical way you can implement each one starting today.
1. Temperance
- Franklin’s Definition: “Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.”
- Modern Translation: Practice moderation, especially with food, alcohol, and screen time.
- How to Implement It Today: Try a digital “fast” for one hour each evening. Or, be mindful of portion sizes at your next meal. It’s not about deprivation, but about conscious consumption.
2. Silence
- Franklin’s Definition: “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”
- Modern Translation: Listen more than you speak. Avoid gossip and mindless scrolling.
- How to Implement It Today: In your next meeting or conversation, make a conscious effort to listen fully without formulating your response. Before posting a comment online, ask: “Is this beneficial? Is it true? Is it necessary?”
3. Order
- Franklin’s Definition: “Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.”
- Modern Translation: Get organized. A cluttered space and a chaotic schedule lead to a cluttered mind.
- How to Implement It Today: Spend 10 minutes at the end of your workday tidying your desk and writing your top 3 priorities for tomorrow. Use a calendar or planner religiously.
4. Resolution
- Franklin’s Definition: “Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.”
- Modern Translation: Stop procrastinating. Follow through on your commitments.
- How to Implement It Today: Pick one small thing you’ve been putting off (e.g., making a dentist appointment, fixing that leaky faucet) and do it today. No excuses.
5. Frugality
- Franklin’s Definition: “Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.”
- Modern Translation: Be mindful of your money and resources. It’s not about being cheap, but about valuing what you have.
- How to Implement It Today: Before your next “impulse buy,” wait 24 hours. Ask yourself: “Do I need this, or do I just want it?” Unsubscribe from tempting marketing emails.
6. Industry
- Franklin’s Definition: “Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.”
- Modern Translation: Be productive and manage your time well. Avoid busywork and time wasters.
- How to Implement It Today: Identify your biggest time drain(e.g., social media, YouTube rabbit holes) and use a timer to limit it. Replace 30 minutes of passive consumption with 30 minutes of a hobby or learning.
7. Sincerity
- Franklin’s Definition: “Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”
- Modern Translation: Be genuine and honest. Don’t manipulate or be cynical.
- How to Implement It Today: In one interaction today, be authentically you, without putting on a “work persona” or “social media face.” Give a genuine compliment.
8. Justice
- Franklin’s Definition: “Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”
- Modern Translation: Be fair and do the right thing. Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient.
- How to Implement It Today: If you witness an unfairness, a microaggression, or a false claim, find a respectful way to speak up. Give credit where credit is due.
9. Moderation
- Franklin’s Definition: “Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.”
- Modern Translation: Avoid the rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows. Don’t hold onto grudges.
- How to Implement It Today: When you feel a strong negative emotion (anger, frustration), take three deep breaths before reacting. Practice saying, “I see this differently,” instead of arguing to win.
10. Cleanliness
- Franklin’s Definition: “Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.”
- Modern Translation: Take pride in your personal and environmental hygiene.
- How to Implement It Today: Make your bed as soon as you get up out of bed. Keep your car clean. It’s a small act that sets the tone for order and self-respect.
11. Tranquility
- Franklin’s Definition: “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”
- Modern Translation: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Cultivate a calm mind.
- How to Implement It Today: The next time you’re stuck in traffic, or your coffee order is wrong, reframe it. Instead of “This is ruining my day,” try “This is a minor inconvenience. What can I do while I wait?” Notice the difference in your stress levels.
12. Chastity
- Franklin’s Definition: (His context was primarily marital fidelity)
- Modern Translation: Practice healthy boundaries and respect in your relationships. Be mindful and intentional with your physical and emotional energy.
- How to Implement It Today: Reflect on whether your relationships (romantic or platonic) are mutually respectful and uplifting. It’s about quality, not quantity.
13. Humility
- Franklin’s Definition: “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
- Modern Translation: Be humble. Admit when you’re wrong. Be open to learning from anyone.
- How to Implement It Today: Use the phrase “You were right, and I was wrong” this week. Ask for feedback on a project and truly listen to the response without getting defensive.
Your Turn: A 21st-Century Virtue Challenge
You don’t need to chase moral perfection. The power is in the practice. Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: Pick one virtue from this list that resonates with you. Focus on it for the next seven days. Track your progress in a notes app or a journal. At the end of the week, reflect on how it made you feel. Did practicing Tranquility make your commute less stressful? Did a week of Industry help you finally start that side project?
Ben Franklin’s genius was in understanding that character is not built in a day, but through small, consistent acts. In our noisy, complex world, his 13 virtues offer a quiet path to a more deliberate, disciplined, and fulfilling life.
Which virtue will you start with? Let us know in the comments below. 👇🏻
Make Today Amazing!
Bess Corriveau
PS. Drop me a note. I’d love to send you a card!
