Benjamin Franklin was a man who despised organize religion and the notion that if we cannot explain something, god must have done it! Early on in his life he put together a list of principles by which to lead his life, which he later disclosed in his autobiography.
His “Plan” was made up of 13 virtues, each with short descriptions:
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.
I heartily agree with #1-12 and partially with #13. The tale of Jesus has some good “morals to the story”, just as many children’s fables do. I agree with Franklin in this regard. You cannot blame the character Jesus for the crimes of all of his followers and religious sects. He is just a poor guy trapped in a story, no harm done initially.
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