"I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example and reap the benefit." ~Benjamin Franklin
When it comes to personal development very few know that the great grandfather or the great, great grandfather of PD is Benjamin Franklin.
It's hard to find a more prolific American than Benjamin Franklin yet most people don't know that at a young age Ben believed himself to be abrasive, brash and argumentative and wrote about this in his autobiography.
He outlined thirteen virtues he hoped to assume as he matured. He was determined to start tracking each virtue, one per week, and would move to the next virtue rotating through all thirteen throughout the course of each year. 1. Temperance. 2. Silence. 3. Order. 4. Resolution. 5. Frugality. 6. INDUSTRY. 7. Sincerity. 8. Justice. 9. Moderation. 10. Cleanliness. 11. Tranquillity. 12. Chastity. 13. Humility.
YES! The path to virtue is via HABIT and this story got Martin thinking a lot about the similarity of tracking habits to achieve goals and Ben's process of tracking habits to develop and refine his virtues.
Aristotle shared that Virtue is long-standing habit.
Martin shares this story to prove to ANYONE (who is committed) that they have within them the capacity AND a proven process to improve themselves.
Martin ends the episode with some of his favorite Ben Franklin quotes:
"Your net worth to the world is what you get when you subtract your bad habits form your good ones"
"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise"
"A penny saved is a penny earned."
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man."
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Resources
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Paperback)
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (FREE) Gutenberg.org
Napoleon Hill The Science of Personal Achievement
S02-Mind Bullet Monday 11: Be Like Ben