Virtues of Benjamin Franklin

Being Indian, we have not heard of Benjamin Franklin much but he was a founding father of the United States (US). He was a child prodigy and had invented numerous inventions. His inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, long arm, and the Franklin stove. Due to his contributions toward mankind and the United States, it was decided to publish his photo on 100 US dollars. His face appears on U.S. postage more than any other notable American except George Washington. He was also a leading political theorist, author, politician, postmaster, Freemason, scientist, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. Benjamin Franklin also earned the title of " The First American " for his contributions.

There are so many things to tell about Benjamin Franklin but that is not a topic for today. Today we will indulge in the basic tenets of his character and how he built his personality. In his autobiography, he explained how he created a system to develop his character when he was only 20 years old. He explained thirteen virtues by which he
achieved so much in his life:
1. Temperance: He told, "Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation". He personally developed the habit of self-discipline by not eating too much. In the modern world, we used to get many opportunities to eat fast food and other unhealthy things but we must control ourselves and overcome our temptations.
2. Silence: He told, "Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation." Do you know why we have two ears but only one mouth? Supreme power indirectly told us to speak less but listen more and this virtue will be a boon for you and others.
3. Order: He told, "Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time." We all might have experienced how our mother used to remind us where we had kept our things. It happened because we do not keep our things at their respective place. Similarly, we must have a "to do" list for our daily works to achieve substantial things in our life.

4. Resolution. He told, "Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve". He clearly told us to decide whatever we want to achieve and work harder to achieve our targets.
5. Frugality. He told, "Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing". Everybody knows that we should spend less than our earning. This looks very simple but all of us do just opposite. If we spend wisely then we will understand the value of money.
6. Industry. He told, "Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions". Time is just like currency, we should think twice before spending time anywhere. We can utilize our time while doing important tasks but we can also waste our time while doing chit chat with friends. Most Importantly limit social media usage.
7. Sincerity. He told, "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly". We should not gossip and spread rumors as these can be detrimental for us. We should also decide to tell the bitter truth or a white lie. For example, sometimes our mother/wife makes awful food but still, we appreciate her and say "what a nice food".
8. Justice. He told, "Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty". H Jackson truly said, " Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you ". We should not do wrong with anyone.
9. Moderation. He told, " Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve". We must follow this important virtue as extreme of anything is harmful. We all experienced that after overeating we don't like even our favorite dish.
10. Cleanliness. He told, "Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation. We should keep our bodies and home clean. Cleanliness is also a type of disciple and all of us must practice it.
11. Tranquility. He told, " Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable". We should not lose our temper with small adverse situations in our life. Our short-tempered nature will do more harm than benefit.
12. Chastity. He told, "Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation". If we want to build our character then we must look for this virtue.

13. Humility. He told, "Imitate Jesus and Socrates”. Last but not least is humility, we all should take less pride in our achievements. Practice this virtue and you will be liked everywhere.
We used to think that how few people achieve so much but they certainly follow particular virtues and today we had discussed virtues of Mr. Benjamin Franklin. Please follow these virtues daily and achieve extraordinary things.

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