Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues

What do they mean to us today?

Every year I cover Ben Franklin’s 13 virtues in my English classes. Students pick the one that resonates with them and share why. We can learn a lot about people based on what they value.

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

Even though in this age of obesity and liberal consumption of alcohol this virtue should be relevant, students do not pick it very often. If they do, it is usually related to a parent who drinks too much.

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

About a third of my students picked this virtue, more than at any time before. On many submissions I added the comment that silence is more than the absence of conflict. What does it say about today’s youth and their experiences that they equate being silent with not entering into an argument?

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

Quite a few of my students picked this one, and several indicated quite openly that they have OCD and have to organize their shoes in a certain way or need everything in its place. Others focus on time management and how important that is for them with their busy schedules of classwork, homework, sports, and jobs.

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

This one is not as popular, but some students indicate their propensity to procrastinate or their inability to actually follow through on most tasks. I think this is a common problem I see even in many adults.

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

This one is my favorite, of course, and my example that I provide for students. Perhaps we owe it to the materialistic mentality in this country that few students indicate this virtue as the one most meaningful to them.

6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

This virtue was quite popular this year, but I found it quite astonishing that mostly students chose it who display little work ethic.

This virtue is quite demanding, I think. How many “unnecessary actions” do we engage in every day that we should “cut off?”

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

Perhaps the most misunderstood virtue — “innocent and just” do not mean kind here. Sometimes sincerity is anything but kind.

I find it still refreshing that many students value sincerity since they live in a society of constant deception where we cannot even agree anymore on what the facts are.

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

Students who pick this virtue often experienced injustice in some way. In a country where every school day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, we repeat “with freedom and justice for all” five times a week; yet we are confronted daily with glaring and systemic injustice.

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

In our culture of extremes, this virtue seems to have fallen out of favor. Few students ever chose it. I think we would be better off if more people practiced moderation and avoided extremes.

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

A surprising number of students say that cleanliness is very important to them. This is interesting since whenever I have e-learners turn on their cameras, their rooms look as messy as we would expect it from teenagers.

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

This virtue is rising in popularity. Teenagers experience more stress than ever, and the pandemic is making it worse. Every week we have social-emotional lessons for our students. The last one on shedding negative emotions such as regret and anger seemed to resonate with them.

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.

This one does not come up in a high school class. There is evidence, however, that more teenagers are realizing that some things are worth waiting for.

13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

This virtue is not very popular. In a society that values showing off, it is difficult to be humble and to value humility.

Even though students pick different values, and their explanations are not all equally thoughtful, it is important that they think about these values — today more than ever. Even adults would benefit from remembering that virtues (or values) are important for each individual and society at large.