The Complete List of Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues
Discover the original self-improvement system from 1726. Learn all 13 virtues Franklin used to develop his character, with meanings and modern applications.
At twenty years old, Benjamin Franklin set himself an audacious goal: moral perfection. Not mere improvement. Not gradual progress.Perfection.
To achieve this, he created a systematic approach—a list of 13 virtues that he would practice methodically for the rest of his life. This system, which he documented in his Autobiography, became one of the earliest recorded self-improvement programs in American history.
In this guide, you'll discover exactly what those 13 virtues are, why Franklin ordered them the way he did, how he tracked his progress, and how you can apply his centuries-old wisdom to your modern life.
Key Takeaways
- Benjamin Franklin created his list of 13 virtues in 1726 at age 20
- He practiced one virtue per week, cycling through all 13 four times per year
- The first virtue (Temperance) was chosen because it enables all others
- Franklin admitted he never achieved perfection—but the attempt made him better
- You can track your virtues using the same method with our free iOS app
What Are Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues?
In 1726, a young Benjamin Franklin—then just 20 years old—conceived what he called "the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection." He wanted to live without committing any fault at any time.
"I wish'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into."
To accomplish this, Franklin compiled a list of virtues he found essential for a good life. He studied various moral systems—from classical philosophy to religious teachings—and distilled them into 13 core virtues, each with a brief precept explaining its practice.
The Complete List of All 13 Virtues
Here are Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues, in his prescribed order, with his original definitions:
Temperance
"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.
Silence
"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.
Order
"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.
Resolution
"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.
Frugality
"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.
Industry
"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.
Sincerity
"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.
Justice
"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.
Moderation
"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.
Cleanliness
"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.
Tranquility
"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.
Chastity
"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.
Humility
"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.
Why This Order Matters
Franklin didn't arrange his virtues randomly. He placed them in a deliberate sequence, believing that mastering earlier virtues made later ones easier to acquire.
"Temperance first, as it tends to procure that coolness and clearness of head, which is so necessary where constant vigilance was to be kept up."
His reasoning follows a logical progression:
- Temperance clears the mind, making self-discipline possible
- Silence prevents rash words and encourages learning
- Order creates structure for all activities
- Resolution strengthens commitment to virtue
- Frugality and Industry ensure resources and time
- Sincerity and Justice govern relationships
- Moderation prevents extremes in all things
- Cleanliness and Tranquility maintain peace
- Chastity preserves health and reputation
- Humility crowns all virtues by preventing pride in achievement
How Franklin Tracked His Virtues
Franklin didn't just list his virtues—he created a systematic method to practice them daily. His tracking system was remarkably sophisticated for its time and remains influential today.
The Little Book
Franklin carried a small ivory book with a page for each virtue. Each page contained seven columns (one for each day of the week) and thirteen rows (one for each virtue).
Weekly Focus
Each week, he would focus intensely on one virtue—his "weekly virtue." While he aimed to keep all virtues, he gave special attention to the week's focus, expecting more success on that particular one.
Daily Examination
Every evening, Franklin would examine his day and mark a dot for each fault committed against any virtue. The goal was simple: fewer dots each week.
The Cycle
He completed one full cycle through all 13 virtues in 13 weeks. With 52 weeks in a year, he could complete four full cycles annually—allowing repeated practice and gradual improvement on each virtue.
Practice Franklin's System Today
Track your virtues with the same method Franklin used—now in a beautiful iOS app with morning reflections and evening reviews.
How to Practice Franklin's Virtues Today
Franklin's system is just as applicable today as it was in 1726. Here's how you can implement it in your modern life:
Step 1: Understand Each Virtue
Start by reading through all 13 virtues above. Consider what each means in a modern context. For example, "Order" might include managing your digital files and calendar, not just physical belongings.
Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point
Franklin started with Temperance, but you can begin with whichever virtue feels most relevant to your life. Consider starting with one where you see room for immediate improvement.
Step 3: Track Daily
Each evening, reflect on your day. Did you live up to your focus virtue? Did you slip on others? Mark your progress honestly—the goal isn't perfection but awareness and gradual improvement.
Step 4: Review Weekly
At the end of each week, review your progress. Celebrate improvements, note patterns in your faults, and prepare to focus on the next virtue.
Step 5: Use Modern Tools
While you can use paper like Franklin did, modern apps make tracking easier. Our Ben Franklin Virtues app digitizes his exact system with morning reflections and evening reviews.
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