A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

Benjamin Franklin’s list of 13 Virtues was very interesting because I was not aware of its existence, but it is something that all can strive for. Also, his Virtue Quiz was quite a interesting to take and to receive my results for practical application into my daily life. Aristotle holds that the virtuous person must: (1) do the appropriate action; (2) do so habitually (regularly, and in a variety of circumstances); (3) enjoy acting virtuously; (4) know that it is virtuous; and (5) know why it is virtuous (LaFollette, 2005). Altogether, I think having virtues as a guide in my life are an excellent means to stay on a positive path to success.

If there was any one theme throughout Ben Franklin's life, it was self-improvement. Franklin's entire life reflected his belief in self-improvement, and from adolescence until his death at eighty-four, he worked constantly to improve his mind, his body, and his behavior (Marelisa, 2013). With this in mind, Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues serve as a guide for guiding us through life on a positive path for successful living.

Franklin's thirteen virtues that he tried to live are temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility (Marelisa, 2013). Out of Franklin’s thirteen virtues the three I would like to focus on are moderation, temperance, and resolution.

Moderation is being able to act in a non-extreme way, “Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve” (Marelisa, 2013). I have always been a very extreme person. Always going at certain things max effort, rather it is good or bad. “The key to experiencing greater fulfillment and pleasure is actually moderation”. I’ve learned from experience that moderation is a very good thing.

The next is temperance. This is the act of self-discipline. Franklin described this as “Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation” (Marelisa, 2013). This is a virtue that I could use some work on. This is where moderation and temperance cross paths for me. Growing up I was always told that my eyes were bigger then my means. In hood terms this mean, I want more then I can handle. My mind set is that I might as well live it up if I have it. My parents provided me with my needs, but there was little room in the budget for my wants. “Gaining the self-discipline to moderate your intake of food and alcohol will give you the confidence to start making other improvements in your life”. I didn’t have a problem with food and alcohol, but spending and credit cards.

“RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.” Here’s what Franklin has to say about the virtue of resolution: “Resolution, once habitual, would keep me firm in my endeavors to obtain all the subsequent virtues”. The virtue of resolution can be summed up as follows: if you say you’re going to do something, do it. (Marelisa, 2013) This is something that I have been taught all my life, from my parents to coaches and teachers. “if you say you’re going to do something, do it” These words are so simple, but carry so much meaning.

Works Cited

LaFollette, H. (2005). Living on a Slippery Slope. The Journal of Ethics, 475-499.

Marelisa. (2013, June 19). How to Develop Your Character – Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues. Retrieved from Daring to Live Fully: https://daringtolivefully.com/ben-franklin-thirteen-virtues