Franklin's Virtues

Benjamin Franklin must be one of the most multi-talented men in history! He was an author, printer, politician, scientist, inventor, activist, statesman, and a diplomat. He was a leading proponent of improving oneself and the idea of the “self-made man,” and he remains a stellar inspiration to anyone who wants to improve their own talents and lifestyle.

Franklin was such an accomplished man because of his dedication to his ideals and his daily discipline—they even named a famous planner system after him. This attention to industry and progress has made some to consider him one of the most influential people in regards to the idea of what it means to be American.

To give you an idea of what he has accomplished, as a scientist he is often credited for developing the theory regarding electricity; as an inventor he developed the lightening rod, the Franklin stove, a type of carriage odometer, the glass “armonica”, and bifocals. As an accomplished writer and supporter of the written word, he found great success in publishing both the Poor Richard’s Almanac and the Pennsylvania Gazette, and he also founded the first lending library and helped establish several colleges.

In his political life, he played an important role in the colonies' decision for American independence and served as a diplomat during the revolution. After the war he continued to live a full life in civic service by encouraging the dissolution of the Stamp Act, establishing positive relations between America and France, serving as President of the Supreme Concil of Pennsylvania, and taking the position of Postmaster General under the Continental Congress.

Benjamin Franklin lived an almost impossible, mythic life, but he was only a mortal man with a 24-hour day—just like the rest of us. Certainly he was a brilliant and determined, but his skill and brains alone didn’t drive him to accomplish all he did. He was the man he was because he strove everyday to improve upon his talents and develop new ones, and he also worked to improve his character. When he was only twenty, Benjamin Franklin developed thirteen virtues which he found to be essential to leading a happy, productive life. He would choose a virtue each and every week and focus on building upon that value and face any personal limitations that stood in the way of turning the virtue as second nature. By continually focusing on developing new skills and working on bad habits, he developed the habits and character that would allow him to reach his full potential—and he had a lot of potential!

Everyone has more potential than they realize, and most people are far from reaching their full ability. We have developed a program, however, that will guide you on the same path of fulfillment Benjamin Franklin was on, using the same virtues and ideals he focused on every day!

In this program you will:

• Design your own program to build your successful life.
• Discover you limitations, and how you can improve them.
• Keep track of your progress and results.