What Is Chastity? Franklin's Twelfth Virtue Explained

Of Franklin's 13 virtues, Chastity is perhaps most misunderstood to modern readers. But read Franklin's definition carefully: it's not puritanical abstinence but a call for moderation, responsibility, and avoiding harm.

Franklin himself admitted failing at this virtue. His honesty about his struggles makes his counsel more trustworthy, not less.

Key Takeaways

• Franklin defined chastity as: "Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
• This is moderation, not abstinence—intimacy is permitted for health and procreation
• The prohibition is against harm: dullness, weakness, injury to peace or reputation
• Franklin admitted his own failures at this virtue in his Autobiography

What Did Benjamin Franklin Say About 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."

Key elements:

• "Rarely" — Not never, but infrequently
• "For health or offspring" — Legitimate purposes acknowledged
• "Never to dullness, weakness" — Physical harm is the line
• "Injury of... peace or reputation" — Harm to others matters too

Franklin's Honest Failure

Unlike some virtues, Franklin admitted falling short here. He confessed to "intrigues with low women" in his youth and listed it among his life's "errata" (errors). This honesty adds credibility to his moral teachings.

Wisdom on Chastity

Aristotle: Temperance in Pleasure

Aristotle included moderation in physical pleasures under the broader virtue of temperance. The virtuous person enjoys pleasure but isn't enslaved to it.

Augustine: Self-Mastery

Augustine (354–430) emphasized chastity as mastery over physical desires—not their elimination, but their proper ordering.

Aquinas: Part of Temperance

Thomas Aquinas placed chastity as a subset of temperance—proper moderation in physical appetites, specifically regarding intimacy.

What Makes Franklin's Approach Different?

Practical, Not Theological

Unlike religious definitions, Franklin's chastity is evaluated by outcomes: Does it cause harm? "Dullness, weakness, injury" are practical criteria, not moral absolutes.

Others' Wellbeing Matters

Franklin explicitly includes "another's peace or reputation." Chastity isn't just about self-control but about not harming others through our choices.

Chastity in the Modern World

A Modern Interpretation

Strip away archaic language, and Franklin's chastity becomes: Be responsible in physical relationships. Don't let desires harm your health, productivity, or others' wellbeing.

How to Practice Chastity Today

1. The harm test — Does this damage health, energy, or relationships?
2. The consent test — Does everyone involved truly consent?
3. The reputation test — Would all affected be comfortable if this were known?
4. The integrity test — Does this align with my values and commitments?

Track your practice using the Ben Franklin Virtues app.

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