Virtue
I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. The scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did.
~Benjamin Franklin
1. “TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.”
2. “SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”
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; i.e., waste nothing.”
6. “INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d 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. Wrong 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, cloaths, or habitation.”
11. “TRANQUILLITY. 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.”
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Virtue Series | Week 1 – Temperance

Temperance isn’t outdated. It’s essential. Week 1 of my 13-week virtue challenge reveals how this misunderstood virtue clears the mental fog. Through Franklin, the Stoics, Scripture, and reflection, I’m learning temperance isn’t denial. It’s joyful discipline. The reward isn’t just restraint. It’s clarity, gratitude, and a more intentional life. Continue reading
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Thirteen Weeks, Thirteen Virtues

13 weeks. 13 virtues. Inspired by Ben Franklin’s system of moral improvement, I’m tracking and reflecting on one virtue each week—starting with Temperance. This isn’t self-help fluff. It’s a disciplined return to first principles. Continue reading
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Quote to Ponder ~ Socrates
”Justice is the virtue that makes us useful to ourselves as well as to others.” ~ Socrates Continue reading
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Quote to Ponder ~ Leo Tolstoy
”There can be only one way to fight the general evil of life: It is in the moral, religious, and spiritual perfection of your own life.” ~ Leo Tolstoy Continue reading
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Quote to Ponder ~ Blaise Pascal
”The virtue of a person is measured not by his outstanding efforts but by his everyday behavior.” ~ Blaise Pascal Every day choices matter. No matter their size or perceived importance. It all adds up. Each decision is like a rudder of a ship directing the course of our lives. What type of person do Continue reading
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Sunday Evening Collective ~ May 4th Edition

Reflections on writing a eulogy not as a farewell, but as a motivation to shape a desired legacy. The post includes diverse recommendations, from music and literature to thoughts on AI’s impact. Ultimately, it encourages embracing curiosity and personal interests to foster growth throughout the upcoming week. Continue reading
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Quote To Ponder ~ George S. Patton
“Do your damnedest always. Always do more than is required of you.” ~George S. Patton Continue reading
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Quote To Ponder ~Michael Jordan
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” ~Michael Jordan Continue reading

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