In his autobiography Benjamin Franklin discusses his own “Project for Moral Perfection.” He decided he wanted to be as close to perfect as he could become in his life. He organized his project and listed 13 character traits he wanted to improve in relation to. These are all described in his book, as well as his definition of each and his chart that he worked on all his life.

I’ll just list these characteristics here:
1. Temperance—eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.
2. Silence—speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. Seek not to dispute or contend.
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; that is waste nothing.
6. Industry—Lose not 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—Wong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation—Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness—Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility—Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. 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.
13. Humility—Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

If you had to rate yourself as to your perfection in each of these traits, how would you do? After studying Ben’s life and accomplishments, I believe he became close to perfect in each of these areas of his life. And that’s saying something!