“As a young man, Ben Franklin set up a self-improvement program that centered on thirteen virtues” (PBS.com, n.d.). From this list of virtues, Franklin measured his life and his progress. “He practiced each virtue for a week and kept notes on his performance” (PBS.com, Virtue Quiz, n.d.). “He attributed most of his success and happiness to the pursuit of these virtues, though he admits that he never attained the perfection” (Franklin's Way, 2018).
The thirteen virtues that he named were: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility (PBS.com, Ben’s Virtues, n.d.). For the purpose of this assignment, I will reflection on three virtues. One that I tend to do well and consistently, one that I have been working to improve and one that is my downfall.
The first virtue, that I am naturally prone to do well is resolution. This is defined as to “resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve” (PBS.com, Ben’s Virtues, n.d.). I tend to understand easily what is expected from me from my family, friends and work place. Once I have this understanding down, I can set goals from there and I am able to achieve them. Right now, I am using this virtue to set health goals and I am very proud of the progress I have made in the last two months! I have already reached my goal that I set for the end of June!
The second virtue that I have been working to improve is Industry. Ben Franklin defines industry as to “Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions” (PBS.com, Ben’s Virtues, n.d.). Sometimes, if I am overwhelmed I will find ways to just fill my time. Whether it be social media or Netflix, I waste time in an effort to distract myself from other areas of my life. I am working to use those things to relax but not to overuse them to my own detriment.
Lately, tranquility has been my area of weakness. “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable” (PBS.com, Ben’s Virtues, n.d.). I tend to get very passionate, or agitated, about the smallest of inconveniences, especially at work. I am working to channel my passion and find when and where it is appropriate to get to an elevated emotional state.
Overall, I find this list of virtue intriguing as I believe that it is important that we continue to develop ourselves for our entire lives. It seems like Ben Franklin had the right idea!
References:
Franklin's Way. (2018, January 18). What are Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues? What did the chart look like? Retrieved May 02, 2021, from http://franklinsway.com/benjamin-franklins-13-virtues/
PBS.com. (n.d.). Benjamin Franklin . Virtue Quiz. Retrieved May 02, 2021, from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/exp_virtue.html
PBS.com. (n.d.). Benjamin Franklin . Ben's 13 VIRTUES. Retrieved May 02, 2021, from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/pop_virtues_list.html
Comments
Post a Comment