A634.6.3.RB_What are Virtues?_LouBeldotti

A634.6.3.RB

What are Virtues?

            Before this blog, I only thought that Benjamin Franklin had discovered electricity, invented the bi-focal, signed the Declaration of Independence, and is on the US 100 dollar bill.  I never thought of him as virtuous.  As a matter of fact, I experienced Mr. Franklin when I played Dr. Lyman Hall in the play “1776”.  His character constantly called for more rum as we deliberated the signing of this iconic document.  Being a drunk on a hot July day is not my idea of virtuous.

            Putting this aside, Mr. Franklin lists the following thirteen virtues:

Ben's 13 virtues

                      

1.         Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.

2.         Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.

3.         Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.

4.         Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5.         Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing.

6.         Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

7.         Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.

8.         Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9.         Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10.       Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation.

11.       Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12.       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.

13.       Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

(Franklin, n.d.)

            So, am I virtuous?  I took the test…

How you measure up:

You're on the right path. Even though you made a few choices that didn't reflect Ben's plan for becoming more virtuous, overall you scored pretty well. Although Franklin gave up on his formal effort to be more virtuous, he devoted much of his life to self-improvement.

Here are some areas you might want to think about approaching differently:

Temperance:
As a young man, Ben tried not to drink too much. Maybe you should consider being the designated driver next time you go out partying.

Resolution:
Ben believed that resolutions were meant to be kept. You should consider a plan to better keep yours next New Year.

Cleanliness:
Ben wrote "tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation." You might benefit from spending more time cleaning on a regular basis.

Tranquility:
Ben didn't sweat the small stuff. Think about what's REALLY important to you in life, and worry less about the smaller annoyances.

(Franklin, n.d.)

            Number three is my mantra.  I believe everything has its place.  I am organized, to fault.  I actually notice when things are moved.  I’m not sure if this makes me virtuous.  I think that it makes me anal. 

            Number nine speaks to me.  I do everything in moderation.  I eat, drink, and play in moderation.  Well, sometimes.  I am a cook and love food.  I have a bad habit of making rich foods.  I have a habit of making strong cocktail.  However, I honestly do this in moderation.

            Finally…

            Number 10 is all me.  After almost 30 years in the Army, I am super clean.  Like Mr. Franklin states, “tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation”.  I shower, wash my clothes and clean my home religiously.  I revert back to being super anal.

References

Franklin, B. (n.d.). Ben’s 13 virtues. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/pop_virtues_list.html

Franklin, B. (n.d.). Virtue quiz. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/exp_virtue_results.html?a=234143444224