In 1726, at the age of 20, Benjamin Franklin devised a list of 13 virtues to live by for as long as possible, in an attempt to “live without committing any fault at any time.” He then focussed on one virtue each week and kept notes on his progress.
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.
MODERATIONÂ Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
CLEANLINESS Tolerate no uncleanliness in body. clothes, or habitation
SINCERITYÂ 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.
FRUGALITYÂ 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.
ORDERÂ Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
RESOLUTIONÂ Resolve to perform what you ought: perform without fail what you resolve.
TEMPERANCEÂ Eat not to dullness: drink not to elevation.
SILENCEÂ Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself avoid trifling conversation.
HUMILITYÂ Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
How to: Love Yourself
There a thousand ways to say “I Love You’ to our near & dear ones. All of them when re-routed to oneself can help you feel lighter, cherished, appreciated and maybe, heard. Practicing self-love a little more in a world that feels too much.
