Podcast #9 - Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, and he passed away on April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He lived to the age of 84, which was quite remarkable for his time and reflected his longevity and the active, multifaceted life he led as a person with expertise in various fields and a prominent statesman.
Benjamin Franklin was known for:
1. **Inventions and Scientific Discoveries**: Franklin's contributions to science, including his experiments with electricity, the invention of the lightning rod, and the Franklin stove, had a profound impact on both science and everyday life.
2. **Education and Philanthropy**: Franklin's advocacy for education, including the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania, and his philanthropic efforts, such as his role in founding the American Philosophical Society, had a lasting impact on American intellectual life and society.
3. **Founding Father and Diplomat**: As a Founding Father of the United States, Franklin played a pivotal role in securing French support during the American Revolution and was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris, which recognized American independence.
4. **Printer and Publisher**: His work as a printer and publisher, including "Poor Richard's Almanack," contributed to the spread of knowledge and the development of American literature and culture.
5. **The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin**: His autobiography, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," remains one of his most enduring legacies, offering valuable insights into his life, values, and principles.
Benjamin Franklin's understanding of the meaning of life and his search for the divine evolved over his lifetime. While he wasn't a traditional religious adherent, he had a complex and nuanced perspective on spirituality and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Here's a more in-depth look at his views:
1. **Deism**: Franklin's religious beliefs were strongly influenced by Deism, a rationalist and Enlightenment-era philosophy. Deists believe in a higher power or a Creator but reject organized religion, religious dogma, and supernatural intervention. They view God as an entity who set the natural laws in motion but does not interfere directly in human affairs.
2. **Moral Virtue and Self-Improvement**: Franklin believed that individuals should strive for moral virtue and self-improvement. He saw this as a way to fulfill one's potential and contribute positively to society. His "13 Virtues" and his autobiography reflect his commitment to personal development and ethical living.
3. **Divine Providence**: Franklin often referred to "Divine Providence" in his writings. "Providence" refers to the protective care, guidance, or benevolent intervention of a divine or higher power in the affairs of individuals or the world. He believed that God played a role in guiding events and individuals' lives toward certain outcomes. He saw the hand of Providence in shaping his own life, particularly during moments of reflection in his autobiography.
4. **Prayer and Reflection**: Throughout his life, Franklin engaged in private prayer and self-examination. He saw prayer as a means of seeking guidance and assistance from a higher power in living a virtuous life. His autobiography describes moments of spiritual contemplation and self-improvement.
5. **Moral and Civic Virtues**: Franklin's pursuit of moral and civic virtues was closely tied to his understanding of the divine. He believed that by practicing these virtues, individuals could align themselves with the moral order established by God.
6. **Religious Tolerance**: Franklin was a strong advocate for religious tolerance and believed in the importance of individuals' freedom to practice their own faith or philosophy. He played a role in the founding of the Pennsylvania Assembly, which promoted religious freedom.
7. **Legacy**: Franklin's beliefs and values, as expressed in his writings and actions, left a lasting legacy. His emphasis on reason, self-improvement, and ethical living continues to influence discussions on the relationship between spirituality and personal development.
In summary, Benjamin Franklin's understanding of the meaning of life and his search for the divine were shaped by his Deistic beliefs, his commitment to moral virtue and self-improvement, and his belief in a guiding force or Providence. His life and writings reflect a balance between reason, personal responsibility, and a recognition of a higher power that influenced the course of events in his life and the lives of others.
In Franklin's case, his adherence to moral virtues and his commitment to self-improvement were driven by his desire to lead a virtuous and ethical life while on Earth. He believed that living a virtuous life in accordance with these principles was the right course of action, leading to personal fulfillment, contributing to the betterment of society, and possibly aligning with what he saw as a divine order established by a Creator.
Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues, along with quotes from his autobiography and examples he used to illustrate each virtue:
1. **Temperance**: "Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
- Example: Avoid excessive eating or drinking to maintain physical and mental clarity.
By practicing temperance and avoiding excess in eating and drinking, Franklin likely believed he was honoring the divine order of moderation and self-control, which he saw as virtuous qualities.
2. **Silence**: "Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
- Example: Focus on meaningful communication and avoid gossip or idle chatter.
Cultivating silence by speaking only when necessary and avoiding frivolous conversation may have been seen as a way to focus on more meaningful communication, aligning with a higher moral and divine purpose.
3. **Order**: "Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
- Example: Organize your life and work efficiently for greater productivity.
Maintaining order in one's life and business, according to Franklin, reflected the divine principle of organization and efficiency, contributing to a well-structured and purposeful existence.
4. **Resolution**: "Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
- Example: Commit to your goals and ensure you follow through on your resolutions.
Franklin likely saw resolution as a means of honoring the divine will by committing to fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities without wavering, thus demonstrating dedication to moral principles.
5. **Frugality**: "Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
- Example: Spend wisely, avoid wastefulness, and save for the future.
Practicing frugality by avoiding wasteful expenses could be seen as responsible stewardship of resources, in line with the idea of being good stewards of the divine gifts one has been provided.
6. **Industry**: "Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
- Example: Embrace hard work and maximize your productivity by avoiding idle time.
Embracing industry and hard work aligns with the belief in using one's talents and abilities to their fullest potential, contributing positively to the world, and fulfilling one's divine purpose.
7. **Sincerity**: "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
- Example: Uphold honesty and integrity in your interactions, avoiding deceitful behavior.
By upholding sincerity and honesty in all interactions, Franklin may have believed he was living in accordance with the divine truth and integrity, reflecting divine qualities.
8. **Justice**: "Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
- Example: Treat others fairly, fulfill your obligations, and avoid causing harm to anyone.
Treating others justly and avoiding harm was likely viewed as a way to align with the divine principles of fairness and equity, reflecting the inherent justice in the divine order.
9. **Moderation**: "Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
- Example: Maintain balance in your actions and reactions, avoiding excessive emotions or behavior.
Practicing moderation and avoiding extremes may have been seen as living in harmony with the divine balance and avoiding behaviors that disrupt the natural order.
10. **Cleanliness**: "Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation."
- Example: Prioritize personal hygiene, cleanliness in appearance, and a clean living environment.
Maintaining cleanliness in body, clothes, and surroundings could be viewed as a way to honor the divine gift of health and well-being, as well as to maintain a sense of order and purity.
11. **Tranquility**: "Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
- Example: Maintain composure and resilience, not letting minor issues disrupt your peace of mind.
By cultivating tranquility and composure, Franklin may have believed he was aligning with the divine peace and serenity that transcends earthly disturbances.
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."
- Example: Practice sexual restraint and purity in thought and action.
Practicing chastity as a form of sexual restraint may have been seen as a way to honor the sanctity of human relationships and align with divine principles of purity.
13. **Humility**: "Imitate Jesus and Socrates."
- Example: Look to the examples of Jesus and Socrates as models of humility and virtuous living.
Franklin's virtue of humility likely involved recognizing one's limitations and acknowledging a higher power. By practicing humility, he may have believed he was aligning with the divine will and expressing a sense of surrender to a greater purpose.
Chinese Medicine Comparison:
1. **Temperance**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Balance in all aspects of life, including diet and lifestyle, is fundamental to health. Imbalances can lead to various health issues.
2. **Silence**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Mental tranquility and emotional balance are important for overall well-being. Practices like meditation and mindfulness align with this virtue.
3. **Order**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Harmony and balance in the body's vital energies (Qi) and the flow of blood are central to health. Acupuncture and herbal medicine aim to restore this balance.
4. **Resolution**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Determination and willpower can influence one's ability to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and treatment plans.
5. **Frugality**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese diets often emphasize simplicity and moderation, aligning with frugality in consumption.
6. **Industry**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Being active and maintaining physical fitness are important for promoting the flow of Qi and maintaining health.
7. **Sincerity**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Honesty with one's healthcare providers about symptoms and lifestyle is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
8. **Justice**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Fairness in the allocation of resources, such as herbal remedies or medical care, is important in traditional Chinese healthcare systems.
9. **Moderation**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Avoiding excesses and extremes in diet and lifestyle helps maintain balance in the body's vital energies.
10. **Cleanliness**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Cleanliness and hygiene are important for preventing the spread of disease and maintaining health.
11. **Tranquility**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Emotional balance and mental tranquility are seen as vital for the free flow of Qi and overall health.
12. **Chastity**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Balance in sexual activity is considered important for maintaining one's vital energies, especially as it relates to the Kidney system in Chinese medicine.
13. **Humility**:
- In Chinese Medicine: Humility may be associated with an open-minded approach to healthcare and a willingness to seek guidance from healthcare providers.
Confucianism Comparison
1. **Temperance**: In Confucianism, temperance aligns with the concept of "Zhong" or "中," which means balance and moderation. Confucius stressed the importance of avoiding extremes and finding a middle way in all aspects of life.
2. **Silence**: The value of silence can be related to the Confucian virtue of "Xin" or "信," which means trustworthiness and sincerity. Being silent when necessary and avoiding trifling conversation can demonstrate sincerity and trustworthiness in one's speech.
3. **Order**: Maintaining order resonates with Confucian principles of social harmony and proper conduct. Confucius emphasized the importance of each person fulfilling their role in society, which contributes to overall order.
4. **Resolution**: This virtue corresponds with the Confucian emphasis on "Yi" or "义," which translates to righteousness and doing what is right. Resolution involves a commitment to doing what one ought to do, aligning with moral principles.
5. **Frugality**: Frugality can be linked to Confucian ideas of "Jian" or "俭," which represents thrift and simplicity. Confucius advocated for simple living and the avoidance of extravagance.
6. **Industry**: Hard work and industry align with Confucian values of diligence and industriousness. Confucius believed in the importance of constant self-improvement and effort in achieving one's goals.
7. **Sincerity**: Sincerity is akin to the Confucian virtue of "Cheng" or "诚," which means honesty and integrity. Both emphasize the importance of truthful and genuine behavior in all interactions.
8. **Justice**: The virtue of justice correlates with Confucian principles of "Yi" or "义" (righteousness) and "Ren" or "仁" (benevolence). Justice involves treating others fairly and fulfilling one's moral duties, which are central to Confucian ethics.
9. **Moderation**: Practicing moderation reflects the Confucian concept of "Zhong" or balance. Confucius taught the importance of avoiding excess and maintaining a harmonious balance in all aspects of life.
10. **Cleanliness**: While cleanliness is not explicitly discussed in Confucianism, the emphasis on personal integrity and propriety aligns with the idea of maintaining cleanliness in body and surroundings.
11. **Tranquility**: Tranquility can be related to the Confucian value of "Ping" or "平," which means peace and harmony. Confucius believed in inner peace as a source of external harmony.
12. **Chastity**: Chastity is in line with Confucian values related to family and personal conduct. Confucius stressed the importance of upholding family values and moral integrity.
13. **Humility**: Humility aligns with the Confucian virtue of "Qian" or "谦," which means humility and modesty. Confucius advocated for humility as a sign of wisdom and moral virtue.
While Benjamin Franklin's virtues and Confucian values may not align perfectly, there are clear parallels in their emphasis on moral conduct, balance, honesty, and personal improvement. Both systems promote virtuous living and ethical behavior as fundamental to a harmonious and well-ordered society.
Confucian Terminology Reference:
1. **Temperance**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Zhōng (中)
2. **Silence**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Xìn (信)
3. **Order**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Zhī (治)
4. **Resolution**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Yì (义)
5. **Frugality**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Jiǎn (俭)
6. **Industry**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Nǔ (努)
7. **Sincerity**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Chéng (诚)
8. **Justice**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Yì (义) and Rén (仁)
9. **Moderation**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Zhōng (中)
10. **Cleanliness**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Not explicitly discussed, but related to personal integrity.
11. **Tranquility**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Píng (平)
12. **Chastity**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Not explicitly discussed, but related to family and moral conduct.
13. **Humility**:
- Confucian Value (Pinyin): Qiān (谦)
Buddhism Comparison
1. **Temperance**:
Temperance aligns with the Buddhist principle of moderation and mindfulness in all actions, including eating and drinking, to avoid attachment and excess.
2. **Silence**:
Silence and mindful speech are crucial for avoiding harmful or untruthful speech and practicing right speech, one of the steps on the Noble Eightfold Path.
3. **Order**:
Order can be related to the practice of cultivating mental clarity and organization through meditation and mindfulness to attain mental and emotional balance.
4. **Resolution**:
Resolution corresponds to the determination and resolve required to follow the path to enlightenment, showing commitment to one's spiritual journey.
5. **Frugality**:
Frugality and non-attachment are key principles. By avoiding excessive materialism and living simply, one can reduce suffering and attachment to material possessions.
6. **Industry**:
Diligence and effort are important virtues on the path to spiritual awakening. One must work diligently to cultivate mindfulness and ethical behavior.
7. **Sincerity**:
Sincerity is linked to the practice of right intention and right thought on the Eightfold Path. It involves genuine and ethical motivations in all actions.
8. **Justice**:
Justice can be seen as upholding the principles of moral and ethical conduct, such as non-harming (ahimsa) and compassion for all beings.
9. **Moderation**:
Moderation is integral to the Middle Way, which is the balance between extremes. It involves avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.
10. **Cleanliness**:
Cleanliness, in terms of personal hygiene and purity of body and mind, is essential for creating a conducive environment for meditation and spiritual practice.
11. **Tranquility**:
Tranquility is cultivated through meditation and mindfulness practices, helping individuals achieve inner peace and mental calmness.
12. **Chastity**:
Chastity is related to ethical conduct in relationships and the practice of sexual restraint when it aligns with one's spiritual goals.
13. **Humility**:
Humility is a fundamental virtue. It involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and understanding one's place in the world without arrogance or conceit.
Taoism Comparison
1. **Temperance**:
Temperance aligns with the Taoist principle of "wu wei" (无为), which means "effortless action" or "non-doing." It emphasizes going with the natural flow of life and avoiding excessive striving.
2. **Silence**:
Silence relates to the Taoist concept of inner stillness and "wu" (无), which means "emptiness" or "non-being." It involves quieting the mind to connect with the Tao, the fundamental source of all.
3. **Order**:
Order can be associated with "Li" (理), which means natural order or principle. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the natural order of the Tao.
4. **Resolution**:
Resolution aligns with the idea of following one's inner nature or "ziran" (自然) in Taoism, which involves acting in accordance with one's true self.
5. **Frugality**:
Frugality corresponds to the Taoist principle of simplicity and living a modest, uncluttered life in harmony with nature.
6. **Industry**:
Industry can be seen as aligned with the Taoist concept of "effortless action" (wu wei), where one works without forcing or striving.
7. **Sincerity**:
Sincerity aligns with the Taoist idea of authenticity and being true to one's inner nature (ziran) rather than wearing masks or pretenses.
8. **Justice**:
Justice can be linked to the Taoist concept of "te" (德), which means virtue or inner power. Taoists cultivate virtue to align with the Tao.
9. **Moderation**:
Moderation is essential in Taoism, emphasizing balance and avoiding extremes to maintain harmony with the Tao.
10. **Cleanliness**:
Cleanliness may be related to the idea of inner purity and clarity, keeping the mind and heart free from unnecessary clutter and desires.
11. **Tranquility**:
Tranquility aligns with the Taoist practice of meditation and inner stillness, allowing one to connect with the Tao and achieve a sense of peace.
12. **Chastity**:
Chastity may relate to the preservation of one's vital energy or "jing" (精) through practices like sexual restraint, which is believed to enhance vitality.
13. **Humility**:
Humility is a central virtue, as Taoism emphasizes the importance of humility, simplicity, and non-assertiveness in aligning with the Tao.