I was often surprised by another; habit took the advantage of

10 inattention; inclination was sometimes too strong for reason. I

concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it 11 speculative conviction: belief

was our interest to be completely virtuous was not sufficient to

prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken,

and good ones acquired and established, before we can have any

15 dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct. For this 15 rectitude: moral correctness

purpose I therefore contrived the following method. 16 contrived: thought up

…I included under thirteen names of virtues all that at that time

occurred to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a

short precept, which fully expressed to extend I gave to its meaning.

20 These names of virtues, with their precepts, were:

1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself;

avoid trifling conversation. 23 trifling conversation: small

3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of talk

25 your business have its time.

4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform

without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or 28 frugality: economy

yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

30 6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employed in something

useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and

justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the

35 benefits that are your duty.

9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so 36 forbear resenting injuries:

much as you think they deserve. refrain from bitterness toward

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, someone who has offended you.

or habitation.

40 11. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents 40 tranquillity: peacefulness

common or unavoidable.

12. 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.

45 13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.[3]

COMPREHENSION AND DISCUSSION:

1. What do you learn about Franklin from his list of virtues?

2. What qualities does he value?

3. Look at the list of virtues that Franklin compiled. Why did he choose that particular order? Would you order them differently? Explain.

4. Do you think moral perfection is desirable?

5. Which of the virtues do you think would be the most difficult for people to practice?

6. How would you describe Franklin writing style?

Writing option:

Choose one of Franklin’s virtues to illustrate, using the medium of your choice.

Poor Richard's Almanac (sometimes Almanack) was a yearly almanac published by Benjamin Franklin, who adopted the pseudonym of “Poor Richard” or “Richard Saunders” for the purpose of this work in the title. The almanac was a best seller for a pamphlet published in the American colonies. It contained the typical calendar, weather, poems, and astronomical and astrological information that an almanac of the period contained. It is chiefly remembered, however, for Franklin's aphorisms[4] and proverbs, many of which live on in American English.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 934