Benjamin Franklin was a man who tried to improve every facet of himself in terms of mind, body and moral behavior

We can do no wrong in trying to adopt the following self-improving virtues devised by Benjamin Franklin.

However, if I personally could successfully instigate half of these I’d have done well…maybe I should also add ‘PATIENCE’ to the list – just for myself mind.

1. TEMPERANCE – Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

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

3. ORDER – Let all your things have their places; let each part of 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 yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

6. INDUSTRY – Lose no time; be always employ’d 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 benefits that are your duty.

9. MODERATION – Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS – Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

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

12. CHASTITY – Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.

13. HUMILITY – Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

~ From the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Here’s Stefan Molyneux again with another thought-provoking video which shines the light of truth on the apparent use of violence (or more-so making threats against our welfare and human rights) by those in power to maintain the status-quo, whilst at the same time stealing our income (through tax) and liberty (if we do not comply to their demands).

Just a contemplation I had on the bus this morning whilst observing people going about their business;

Humble yourself with this sobering thought…

No matter how rich.

No matter how famous.

No matter how much you may possess.

No matter what high position or status you may hold.

No matter what grandiose titles of self-importance has been bestowed upon you.

No matter how much you may think you know.

Just remember, in hundred years or so from now, that those you now see about you, and in fact every human being presently alive on this planet, will be no more.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Only to be replaced by the next generation of myriad creatures.  And so the cycle of life continues.

So where are all your pretentiousness, knowledge, fame, money and possessions now?  They certainly won’t be where you will be going after the Grim Reaper comes calling.

And remember, Death does not discriminate.

But alas!  Have no fear, for this is a law of nature that must be obeyed.  Neither good nor evil in that.

Did you not know, my friend, that to philosophise is to learn how to die?  This means to let go of all superficial attachments daily.

All I say is to take time out to be aware of every living thing walking about you, and to remember that a hundred years, and especially us, are nothing compared to the infinite vastness of universal existence.

As what existed before us, and which will continue to exist long after our final breath, this universe of consciousness will always remain indifferent to our futile and ambitious attempts to make immortal our very egos.

So do not become attached to life, but treat it as precious.

This thought alone should humble you towards living, no matter how short, a life of simplicity, joy and wisdom.

I will now leave you with a couple of quotes from Marcus Aurelius which exudes truth and sums up this post beautifully:

“Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong as its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.”

“You will give yourself peace of mind if you perform every act of your life as if it were your last.”

As I continue to laud these wise men of ancient times, I share with you an inspiring post that support my claims that ancient philosophy can do much to help your self-development in all areas of modern life.

Read the following excerpt from the post ‘Ancient Philosophy and Modern Personal Development’ written by Stephen Cox:

Read more…