Franklin's Four Rules for Living

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Franklin’s Four Rules for Living

  1. It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, until I have paid what I owe.
  2. To endeavor to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action – the most amiable excellence in a rational being.
  3. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty.
  4. I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody.

Written as advice to himself in 1726, on shipboard returning to Philadelphia from London. He was 20 years old

Formatted Quote

"Franklin’s Four Rules for Living It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, until I have paid what I owe. To endeavor to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action – the most amiable excellence in a rational being. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty. I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody. "
   --Benjamin Franklin, Written as advice to himself in 1726, on shipboard returning to Philadelphia from London. He was 20 years old