Reader questions and feedback on character issues. Also refer to honesty, courage, responsibility, honor, reliability, service, stealing, cheating, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Character:
Franklin's Virtues
The following 14 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- have many questions about Ben Franklin's views
- What was Franklin's opinion about his own virtues?
- Where are the virtues in Poor Richard's Almanac?
- True virtue is good and beautiful
- Confused about how many virtues there are
- Disagrees that you can follow these virtues
- Don't want to hear that patience is a virtue
- Wants to follow Franklin's Virtues
- Read D.H. Lawrence's essay about Franklin
- Following the virtues as a project
have many questions about Ben Franklin's views
Question
September 24, 2009
What does Ben Franklin believe is the nature of man? Does he believe it is good or evil?
What does Franklin believe makes a good ruler? How should a ruler governed in his view?
What is more important to Franklin? divine right of kings or the natural rights of man?
What's Franklin's veiw of women rights? are they equal to men?
What are Franklin's views on education? and who should be educated?
What does Franklin think the goal of education should be?
What does Frankin think government's role should be?
- USA
18375
Answer
Franklin listed his 13 virtues as part of his philosophy on good living. He had many views on various subjects. You can start getting answers to your questions by reading his biography at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/biographies/franklin.htm
Also, try some of the books and website listed as Resources.
What was Franklin's opinion about his own virtues?
Question
April 21, 2009
I dont really have a question but there is something I would like to know about. What was Franklins opinion about his own virtues. Did he really fully agree with all them? Did Franklin doubt himself at all?
- USA
17636
Answer
I don't think Benjamin Franklin ever wrote or told anyone about concerns about breaking the virtues he had listed and tried to follow. But the fact that he kept a list of the virtues to review shows that he probably was concerned when he broke the rules.
It is sort of like the person who is on a diet and keeps a reminder sign on the refrigerator door. The sign often doesn't help.
The virtues were his beliefs, so he did agree with them. Although Franklin seemed confident and even happy-go-lucky most of his life, I am sure he had self-doubts. Everyone does, even the most successful people.
Where are the virtues in Poor Richard's Almanac?
Question
August 7, 2008
It says the 13 virtues are represented in Poor Richard's Almanac. I have the book Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard's Almanac, I was wondering if you could tell me which quotes(pg.# if possible) show the thirteen virtues?
thanks!!
Krishna - USA
16323
Answer
Franklin wrote his thirteen virtues when he was in his 20s, but he kept the list to himself. Later he included individual virtues at various times in his Poor Richard's Almanac. But he really listed the virtues in his Autobiography. That is where the full list can be seen.
I really should have mentioned that in the lesson and will update the information.
True virtue is good and beautiful
Question
November 17, 2007
Among your e-mails and responses is this one:
September 20, 2003
Franklin writes that a perfect character might be envied and hated. Do you agree with this? How do you think his thirteen virtues had an effect on this statement?
616
Answer
I don't really agree with Franklin, because people usually are envious of someone who is doing well and lets others know about it. A person who follows his 13 virtues would be modest and have humility. It is difficult to hate such a person.
But that doesn't mean that everyone would like a person with a "perfect" character. He or she may be dull or perhaps no fun to be around.
I think your last sentence needs to be modified to something like, "He or she may appear to be dull or perhaps no fun to be around." True virtue is good and beautiful and fun to be around. If one is indeed humble he/she will be able to enjoy another. Pride blinds.
Mike - USA
14797
Answer
Thanks for your feedback. You make a good point, and I'll post your answer.
Confused about how many virtues there are
Question
October 14, 2007
I have a question about the virtues. there is 8 personal virtues and 5 social right? how come on the site it state 7 personal but there is 8 listed below, and for social it said 6 but only 5 listed below. is the listed number a correct one? please email me back because I have a report to right for school and I need to know the right information.. thank you
Peter - USA
14536
Answer
There are Personal, Social and Rule-based character traits or virtues. I have seen some lists where they state over 75 traits. Ben Franklin listed 13 virtues, and we have classified them as personal and social traits. This is to be able to compare his list of virtues and to study them more.
Other places in the site, we list various virtues or character traits, but not all of them. Also, rule-based character traits should be included. For example, some societies say that good people wear certain types of clothing.
I hope this clarifies things for your report. The best thing is to just stick with Franklin's list of virtues at this time.
Disagrees that you can follow these virtues
Question
October 3, 2007
Hello,
I just took a quick quiz on your site about the Ben Franklin's thirteen virtues, the last question was "Is it possible to strictly follow these virtues?" the correct answer was "If you are dillegent and work at it." I want to politely disagree with your statement. Even Ben Franklin, who was extremely enthusiastic about living in 'moral perfection' could not master his own list of virutes. He started out with temperence, which he felt was the most difficult,and planned on gradually added each virtue after completely mastering it. However, he only got to the third virtue, order, before he gave up. After two years of attempting 'moral perfection' he felt that it was just too hard to complete. He later stated that he was glad that he attempted to live by these virtues, but felt that it was just too hard to do. Maybe that is why he considered forming his own moral society. Well anyways, this might have bored you, but I have been doing a good amount of studying on Ben Franklin for my college class. There is no need to e-mail me back.
- USA
14473
Answer
Franklin was good at giving advice, but he often did not follow his own advice. But that is true of many people and does not diminish the value of the virtues.
Note that Franklin's suggested virtues are part of an overall study of character traits.
The fact that Franklin was trying to follow these virtues is a virtue in itself. Even if he was not successful in all of them, at least his intentions were good.
Ben Franklin was truly a fascinating person. We also have a short biography on him in our site.
Best wishes in your studies.
Don't want to hear that patience is a virtue
Question
December 12, 2006
Hmm that is very interesting. Next jackoff that tells me "patience is a virtue" is getting a history lesson! :)
Benny - USA
12606
Answer
Fortunately Franklin did not comment on patience being a virtue. I think he might have said, "Use patience as an means to an end."
Wants to follow Franklin's Virtues
Question
August 17, 2006
helo, i am mohsin 24 male. i came accross ur site throu http://www.ElderWisdomCircle.org . i found the Franklin's 13 lessons very admirable. i want to implement those in my life and practice them in every step of my life. but i have a problem of consisteny n persistency. how to manage the lessons and continue with them in every ups n down of our life.pl guide me. thank u.
mohsin - India
11718
Answer
One thing you can do is to make a list of the 13 Virtues, such that you can look at it every day as a reminder.
Note that Ben Franklin used these virtues as a guide, but he also broke many of them often. It was an effort to lead his life in the right direction, but Franklin also realized that humans are not perfect and can be boring if they do act perfect.
Being aware of a good way to act is often sufficient to lead a good life, even if there are occasional lapses. Being well-meaning is important.
Best wishes in leading a happy and productive life.
Read D.H. Lawrence's essay about Franklin
Question
December 4, 2005
Please read D.H. Lawrence's essay about Franklin in "Studies in Classic American Literature, it is available online.
aaron - USA
9254
Answer
Good golly! Lawrence certainly was cynical in his essay on Franklin. I guess it can be summed up in his statement, "I don't like Franklin." Unfortunately, when someone expresses such dislike about an historical figure (and just about everyone else including Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie and most Americans), I tend to discount what he says as valid or worthwhile.
Somebody should have told Lawrence to lighten up.
Following the virtues as a project
Question
October 13, 2004
My U.S. history teacher is having us follow the thirteen virtues for two weeks and then do a project on it. It's not as easy at it seems and I must admit I'm doing horrible with every one regarding people. But it is a fascinating experience that has taught me a few things about human nature. I really admire Franklin for trying to live his life by these virtues, if, today, we all tried to follow them I'm sure the world would be greatly improved. This site was great for learning were Franklin lacked, it will really help in the final draft of my project.
Sincerly,
Anna
Anna - USA
4645
Answer
That sounds like a great project, because you really can learn about yourself and others. Also, Ben Franklin was an interesting person. Take a look at his short biography series at
http://www.school-for-champions.com/biographies/franklin.htm
Hope you get a good grade in your report.
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