The Complete List of Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues

The 13 virtues and their original maxims

The maxims below come from Franklin’s Autobiography; the explanations offer a modern reading.

1. 01Temperance

   “Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.”

   Franklin placed Temperance first because it helps acquire the coolness and clearness of head needed to maintain constant vigilance over oneself. Moderation in eating and drinking creates the foundation for all other virtues.

2. 02Silence

   “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.”

   This virtue helped Franklin gain knowledge while avoiding the habit of prattling, punning, and joking that made him welcome only in trivial company. By speaking less, he learned to listen more.

3. 03Order

   “Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.”

   Franklin found this the most difficult virtue to acquire. It required attention to every action and a memory of every detail. Though he never fully mastered it, the attempt gave him structure.

4. 04Resolution

   “Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.”

   Once Franklin decided something was right, he committed fully. This firmness of purpose allowed him to accomplish difficult tasks that might otherwise seem overwhelming.

5. 05Frugality

   “Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. waste nothing.”

   Franklin practiced economy in both money and time. By avoiding unnecessary expenses, he freed resources for more meaningful pursuits and charitable giving.

6. 06Industry

   “Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.”

   Franklin was known for rising early and working diligently. He believed that time was the stuff of which life was made, and to waste time was to squander life itself.

7. 07Sincerity

   “Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”

   Franklin valued honest dealings in all matters. He believed that sincerity built trust and that deception, even when convenient, ultimately harmed both the deceiver and the deceived.

8. 08Justice

   “Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”

   This virtue extends beyond avoiding harm to actively doing good. Franklin believed we have a duty not just to refrain from injustice but to provide the help we're capable of giving.

9. 09Moderation

   “Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.”

   Franklin counseled against excessive reactions, especially to wrongs done against us. A measured response preserves peace of mind and often achieves better outcomes than passionate retaliation.

10. 10Cleanliness

    “Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation.”

    Franklin believed that external cleanliness reflected and reinforced internal order. A clean environment supports clear thinking and commands respect from others.

11. 11Tranquility

    “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”

    Franklin learned not to let small annoyances or inevitable misfortunes disrupt his peace. This serenity allowed him to focus his energy on things within his control.

12. 12Chastity

    “Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.”

    Franklin advocated for moderation in physical pleasures, ensuring they never interfered with health, reputation, or the wellbeing of others.

13. 13Humility

    “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”

    Franklin added this virtue last, inspired by a Quaker friend who pointed out his pride. He found it impossible to be truly humble, but acting humbly brought him many advantages.