As he records in his Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin "conceiv'd the bold and arduous Project of arriving at moral Perfection." From his reading, he came up with a catalogue of thirteen moral virtues, and he drew up a graph on which he scored his successes and failures each day.
- Temperance. Eat not to Dulness. 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 employ'd in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.
- Sincerity. 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.
- Moderation. Avoid Extreams. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.
- Cleanliness. Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Cloaths, or Habitation.
- Tranquility. 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.
- Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
