A634.6.3.RB_FogartyShawn

            Benjamin Franklin's self-improvement program included thirteen virtues that were important guides for a person of good character. Throughout his life, Franklin tried to live by these virtues though not always successfully. Aristotle presented that virtuous person would seek to achieve “eudemonia,” a Greek word for happiness which s further defined to a having a good life, living well and doing good deeds (LaFollette, 2007, 212).  My belief of acting virtuous is a blend between the thirteen elements presented by Benjamin Franklin and the challenge presented by Aristotle.

            After having taken the quiz against Benjamin Franklin's thirteen virtues I measured up quite well. The test concluded that I “made some very virtuous choices. I chose the answers that closely reflected Ben's own self-improvement plan. Although Franklin gave up on his formal effort to be more virtuous, he devoted much of his life to self-improvement. You've made a good start on that yourself” (Franklin, n.d.).

            The website further presented that I would most likely benefit to include more “Temperance.” I gauge this stemmed from the questions regarding partying and enjoying one’s self. The website offered that “As a young man, Ben tried not to drink too much. Maybe you should consider being the designated driver next time you go out partying” (Franklin, n.d.). I do not necessarily concur with this assessment.

            I selected the following three of Franklin's virtues to reflect upon and will outline how they could be incorporated into my daily life? The first being “Order” outlined as to “let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time” (Franklin, n.d.). I think that I apply this one slightly but sometimes choose to let go the ropes and be too carefree. I am very detail oriented in my job, so sometimes away from work I tend to dissolve my mind from being orderly. Second, I selected “Resolution” which was outlined as to “resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve” (Franklin, n.d.). This means to me that I speaking to set priorities and goals and to further achieve them. I do this already but I think I could relook and realign my goals with recent changes to my position. Lastly, I selected the virtue of “Sincerity” which was highlighted as “use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly” (Franklin, n.d.). This is similar to the “Golden Rule” and I think I do a far job of this already; however there is always room to improve. Overall, I feel I live a virtuous life, I put other before myself in my profession and personally. I seek to take good care of my obligations and my family and continue to always improve myself whenever possible. 

Franklin, B. (n.d.). Benjamin Franklin . Ben's 13 Virtues | PBS. Retrieved July 5, 2013, from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/pop_virtues_list.html

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics. Malden, Mass: Blackwell Pub. (p. 212).