13 virtues

Pros and Cons in Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues

The question came to me when I read the 13 virtues of Benjamin Franklin: how it is possible for a human being to be an extremely moral perfect person who has no easy-going characteristics. Some of those moral or manner standards are considered humanly impossible for great man, not to mention common people. Some of the principles deny all pleasures as a human being. In addition, even the author of the thirteen virtues---Benjamin Franklin admitted that he was never able to live the virtues perfectly. This essay aims to refute the extremely strict principles with examples from daily life and ideas that guarantee a fruitful and happy life.

Temperance

Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Franklin began his list of virtues with temperance because it was the virtue that would develop the self-discipline necessary to adhere to the other 12 virtues. Temperance calls for a man to avoid overindulgence in food or drink. What if your caring mother home-cook every your favorite meal for you? Your way of controlling your mouth would be way too weird if you eat with your family or friends. It is often the case that with the warm and loving atmosphere, people have some bites of every tasty dish and toast to each other cheerfully. Do you still insist that you eat not to dullness? On some occasions, like graduation party, wedding ceremony or reunion of classmates, champagne and beer are the most festive drinks that liven up the party. How about laying down all of your pressure on your back and shoulders and have a really relaxing time with your most connected friends? I am afraid the first virtue needs to be twice thought about.

Silence

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

Oxford dictionary’s definition for “benefit” is: to be useful to sb. or improve their life in some way. It is true that we sometimes get wisdom from talking to the sages. The words they say help us build our inner judgment system. Or even we may be the ones whose words make the listeners feel refreshed. It is very rare that the conversation may be beneficial.

Order

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

The laws of physics tell us that the universe and everything in it tends towards chaos and disorganization. A man can’t fight against these natural law. Following the way what the universe enlightens us is the best resort. Yet being in disorder is a path of keeping balance.

Resolution

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

It is universally acknowledged that approaches need to be adjusted according to the circumstances. Blind perseverance is the cause of avoidable failure. Adjustment is a life-long lesson we should learn. Plus, the best we can do before the outcome is be well prepared. That is, it is hard to foresee the results. We can hardly assure “without fail”, but we can assure the journey to the destination is

1

Meng Ying Lit-2 0835027

pleasant and joyful as long as we have a grateful heart. It is also why we start the journey.

Frugality

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

The main reason that I can’t agree with the thirteen virtues is that most of the virtues go to extreme. Life is not a fight or battle, but more of a chemical reaction. Standards vary because of the conditions and catalyst. Being frugal or not should depend on the personal situations. If you are in a considerably good condition, why not fulfill your wishes in such a short life time? If your economic condition is not so satisfying, be generous to yourself in at least one aspect. Otherwise, life doesn’t seem appealing to us at all.

Industry

Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

Hard work has been the hallmark of every man and woman. Work needs pauses, so does life. If you just walk down the road and ignore the scenery, the journey is meaningless. I have always reckoned that our body has a limit. Once you cross the line, your body will well pay you back. So during those approaches to the limits, I step back a little just to be well prepared for the next high jump. Unnecessary actions lead to wise behaviors. Be always employed in something meaningless.

Sincerity

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

You may reckon that sometimes lies are necessary especially when the cruel truth may hut other people. But the thing is, no matter how long the lie can last, it will one day be exposed to the reality. By that time, the deceived person gets deeper hurt than facing to the reality. The most commonly case that dawns upon people is that the relatives try their best to protect the caner patient from knowing his or her state of illness. Think about it! Isn’t it better if the patient does know the illness and begin the care plan for the rest days? No matter what the condition is, always tell the truth. Use no deceit.

Cleanliness

Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

Let’s come back to what we previously talked about. This cleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation is again a perfect state that few people can approach. Doing sports make people sweat. Doing labor work demands dirty overalls. Uncleanliness is a state, and cleanliness is another state. Embracing both states is more acceptable.

Tranquility

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

The irritations of modern life have left many men hot under the collar. Controlling one’s anger is the mark of a cool and composed gentleman. However, controlling yourself at trifles may cause

2

Meng Ying Lit-2 0835027

more anger on momentous accidents. Emotions want a way-out. You need to liberate feelings and emotions so as to be more balanced in your inner world.

The following ones that I fail to pick out any defect of them. They are perfectly suited to our daily life.

Justice

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

When I look back at the men I admire most, they all had one thing in common: each of them stood up for the little guy. In a society plagued with apathy, what this world needs now more than ever are men who will stand up for justice.

Moderation

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

Are you looking for more fulfillment and satisfaction in your life? Society will tell 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.

Humility

Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

The typical image of a manly man is one who is supremely confident, bordering or arrogance. Humility doesn’t seem to fit in that manly image. However, some of the greatest men in history have been the most humble. Humility isn’t weak, submissive, or self-abasing. Humility means having the quiet confidence to allow your actions to speak for themselves.

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.

Of all the virtues, chastity is probably the least popular these days. We live in a society in which that glamorizes and exploits sex. Sex is everywhere, on the internet, on T.V. and in our magazines. But the ubiquity of sex has only cheapened a once sacred act and turned it into just another consumer good to be selfishly consumed. In this post, we take a look at the harmful effects of today’s “hook-up” culture.

In the contemporary world, the Benjamin Franklin’s thirteen virtues are still having a great impact on the society because human being’s deficiencies are universal. On one hand, blindly follow all the principles will lead a pointless and hard life, as some virtues are humanly impossible. On the other hand, virtues like justice, moderation, humility and chastity are so perfectly defined that sticking to them will be very beneficial to your life.

3