The Benjamin Franklin Affair

Old Ben devised a list of thirteen virtues in his autobiography. He set about trying to tackle each virtue by devoting a week to each. He failed. I am not any better than Benny, but I do wonder, since he never said, about the reasons behind the failure of the virtues. Each virtue, that is, and whether any of them are easier or harder to maintain today. 

At the time of year when people are pondering their resolutions - lose weight, get organized, be more positive - I think about Ben Franklin. He tried to tackle thirteen pretty well chosen virtues, and concluded that it was just plain impossible to master them all - mainly due to human folly. The virtues are:

1. temperance 2. silence

3. order 4. resolution

5. frugality  6. industry

7. sincerity 8. justice

9. moderation 10. cleanliness

11. tranquility 12. chastity

13. humility

Ben didn't have a lot of luck with these, but he did say that your life can be improved by trying to master at least some of these. Well, why not then? I declare that 2010 will be my experimental year in becoming more virtuous! I need accountability, though, and that's you, dear reader. I will blog about my daily trials and tribulations concerning virtue - and commenting on society all the while. I hope two things will come of this. One, that I will learn about myself and improve my character, and two, that you will be entertained in the process.

Tomorrow I shall reveal my master plan!