13 Virtues

The first virtue that Benjamin Franklin used was temperance. He used temperance first because it was the virtue that would develop the self-discipline necessary to adhere to the other 12 virtues. Temperance means for a man to avoid overindulgence in drink or food. Ben Franklin said that to conquer you urges for food or drink, you'll have the confidence to start making improvements in other areas of your life.
"Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."

The second virtue was silence. The world we live in is full of constant noise and chatter. In the virtue of silence, people took a look at how a man can practice this virtue in regards to cell phone use, costumer service, and the internet. Etiquette and polite manners have not kept pace with developments in technology and our quickly changing culture.
"Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; Avoid trifling conversation."

The third virtue was order. Ben Franklin believed that if a man wishes to thrive in this world, he must develop order. He said that the laws of physics tell us that the universe and everything in it tends towards chaos and disorganization. He said a man must fight against these natural laws and the path of least resistance,
"Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."

The fourth virtue was resolution. Resolution is the firm determination to accomplish what you set out to do.
"Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."

The fifth virtue was frugality. The american's savings rate is negative. Americans tend to spend more than they're saving. With the sluggish economy and soaring gas prices, practicing frugality is quickly coming back into style. Spend less than you earn.
"Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."

The sixth virtue was industry. Hard work has been the hallmark of every man. However, industriousness has gone out of style. Today people are looking to get rich quick. In reality, honest work is a beneficial and refining endeavor that should be embraced, not disdained.
"Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions."

The seventh virtue was sincerity. In the media, there is always lots of gossip, sarcasm, and lying. We're starting to see the demeanor that pervades the internet rub off on people in the real world. Gossip, sarcasm, and lying can harm you and others and how you can work on avoiding these vices.
"Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."

The eighth virtue was justice. In a society plagued with apathy, we need men who will stand up for justice.
"Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."

The ninth virtue was moderation. In society, it tells you that "more" is the answer, that more money, more stuff, more women, and more pleasure are the keys to gaining satisfaction in life. In reality the secret to a fulfilling life is moderation.
"Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."

The tenth virtue was cleanliness. Some say cleanliness is more a sign of femininity that manliness. In reality developing cleanliness has changed over time.
"Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."

The eleventh virtue was tranquility. Tranquility means to be tranquil, or calm. Controlling ones anger is the mark of a cool and composed gentlemen. There are many social and health benefits to controlling your anger.
"Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavailable."

The twelfth virtue was chastity. We live in a society that glamorizes and exploits sex. Sex is everywhere, on the internet, T.V. and in our magazines. The ubiquity of sex has only cheapened a once sacred act and turned it into just another consumer good to be selfishly consumed.
"Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."

The thirteenth virtue was humility. The typical image of a manly man is one who is supremey confident, bordering or arrogance. Humility doesn't seem to fit in that manly image. Humility isn;t weak, submissive, or self-abasing. Humility means having the quiet confidence to allow your actions to speak for themselves.