Notes from reading: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

This week I picked up The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin. I was fascinated with a single fact that how can someone be so talented. Like  Benjamin Franklin  was a Writer, Inventor,  Philosopher, Negotiation and last not the least one of the forefathers of  American Independence. Fun fact thought, he was born British.

I am going to add about the 13 virtues as Benjamin Franklin calls it, a daily todo practice which made him so focussed & successful in managing his time.

1. TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

2. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

3. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

4. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5. FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i. e., waste nothing.

6. INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

11. TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12. CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.

13. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Daily Schedule of Benjamin Franklin
Daily Schedule of Benjamin Franklin
The checklist with Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues.
The checklist with Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues.