Benjamin Franklin's Life Goals

Benjamin Franklin did a lot of cool stuff...but, for a long time, I've never really respected his brain, he just didn't stop working - the very exemplar of the Protestant work ethic. He did, however, live by a nice set of morals.
This page lists the goals that Benjamin Franklin tried to eschew in his life.

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and 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 employed 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 extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.

11. 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.

12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

This, however, is a very practical invention; Franklin created a list each week and if he failed to live up to any of these qualities he'd place a dot in the appropriate box. He kept a chart every week for 66 years - that's pretty dedicated!

On a side note: for anyone who likes the idea, there's a site JoesGoals.com which allows you to replicate Franklin's lists on the net. Pretty cool...if you can check yourself to keep it working.

Once again, good ol' Lifehacker.