Benjamin Franklin's Self-Improvement

There are many realities that we must come to terms with. Everyone does this in their own time and in their own way. It's not always pleasant, in fact, it rarely is. One of these many realities is that humans are not perfect. Despite all the ideals of what perfection should look like physically, personally, and socially; no one has achieved perfection. However, one person in particular set a very good example of self-improvement. Benjamin Franklin, a leader in many ways and beloved by many, was the very person who attempted to achieve perfection. When he set out to do this he was unaware how difficult it would be. Instead of perfection, he focused on self-improvement. He set goals that were his ideals of perfection or areas of improvement
for himself personally. Benjamin Franklin's plan for self-improvement had a significant impact on not only himself but the rest of America as well. He chose thirteen virtues that he wanted to improve on or develop; two of which were order and industry.
Order dealt with making sure all possessions have a place and each item of business had its time and place. Industry referred to always doing something useful or productive and to prioritize your duties. These were the most difficult for Franklin, especially order. Being able to schedule his day and stick to his original plan was difficult do to the unexpected circumstances of life. Industry was also difficult for Franklin because in his views he didn't accomplish enough. These two virtues have effected society in several ways as well. We follow Franklin's footsteps in trying to plan ahead and manage our time better. Two other values included in his self-improvement plan was; sincerity and silence. He defined sincerity as being honest, and thinking innocently and justly. Silence meant only speak when it not only benefits you, but others as well, and to avoid gossip or degrading conversation. Franklin found that these two were easier, simply because it allowed him to listen. It also helped him to be more serious and focused. In modern society, honesty is still highly valued, while avoiding gossip is not quite so highly
valued. Another set of virtues he listed were; justice, chastity, and humility. These three are greatly related to each other. Justice was given the meaning not harming other people; chastity, to not give into the temptation of lust; humility, imitate Jesus and Socrates. For Franklin these virtues helped him be a very just person and kind to others and pure in heart, mind, and body due to his ability to resist lust. Justice and humility are still highly valued in today's society; however, chastity is not so much. There is actually quite a lack of it. Benjamin Franklin was a great role model and an inspiration to all. He set a great example of trying to admit his faults and improve himself. The effects it had on him, overall made him a better person with a deeper understanding of life and what's important. The effects it had on society were significant because it helped us to better organize our own lives and come to terms with the fact that we are all human. No human is perfect.