Comments on: The Virtuous Life: Wrap Up

By: Kate McKay

Kate McKay — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:10:41 +0000

While Jeremy is correct that there isn’t any proof Ben’s dalliances with the ladies went beyond flirtations after he was married (although he did have an illegitimate child prior to marriage), I would say the important thing is that it actually wouldn’t matter if he was indeed a womanizer. As we quoted in the first article, made mention of in this one, and had to repeat to folks throughout this series, Franklin himself admitted that he wasn’t perfect, but that at least trying to be virtuous had made him better than he would have been otherwise:

“Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavour, a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”

If attaining a final result of perfection is a prerequisite to pursuing virtue, then every single person would be barred from the attempt. And if being perfect is required for advocating the virtuous life, then no one could recommend it. Every one falls short to one degree or the other, but the important thing is striving to better oneself.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:12:09 +0000

@ENF — Interesting, I wasn’t aware of the St. Ignatius Exercises. I’ll have to look ‘em up — thanks!

By: ENF

ENF — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:29:54 +0000

Thanks. At any rate, those are good virtues and a good way to try to improve. The Spiritual Excercises of St. Ignatius reccomends something similar except he reccomends focusing on a single virtue till it becomes habitual and eventually becomes a virtue you possess.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:54:22 +0000

@ENF —

This is a list of virtues that Franklin aspired to. Admittedly, he was not perfect. Having said that, he did have multiple relationships with younger women, but there’s no evidence he ever stepped outside of mere flirtation.

By: ENF

ENF — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:44:23 +0000

Chastity? Wasn’t Ben Franklin an infamous womanizer?

By: deborah

deborah — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:52:39 +0000

I’m an 8th grade teacher about to begin teaching American Hstory. I’ll be using Ole Ben’s virtures to help the students become more aware of what constitutes a person of the highest caliber. Mighty important to have goals in these days of teenage angst…and for all of us each day. Thanks!

By: Rick

Rick — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 00:59:20 +0000

I’ve been following your blog for years, but just ran across this series. In a similar line of thought is the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards – pastor, theologian, philosopher and president of Princeton. It may be an interesting series at some point. You can find them here: http://www.apuritansmind.com/the-christian-walk/jonathan-edwards-resolutions/

By: 15 Great iPhone Apps for Men | The Art of Manliness

15 Great iPhone Apps for Men | The Art of Manliness — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:16:07 +0000

[...] do so, Franklin developed and committed himself to a personal improvement program that consisted of living 13 virtues. In order to keep track of his adherence to these virtues, Franklin carried around a small book of [...]

By: [转] Benjamin Franklin’s List of 13 Virtues - As the deer

[转] Benjamin Franklin’s List of 13 Virtues - As the deer — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:59:30 +0000

[...] The Art of Manliness blog sums up the 13 virtues in this wrap-up. [...]

By: Living the Virtuous Life Task List | GilsMethod.com

Living the Virtuous Life Task List | GilsMethod.com — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:20:44 +0000

[...] If you would like to learn more about Benjamin Franklin’s virtues you have to check out The Art of Manliness for a detailed and modern view of Franklin’s virtues. I used their list as well as my notes [...]