The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man

by Brett McKay

Benjamin Franklin, the original self-made man, is an American legend. Despite being born into a poor family and receiving only two years of formal schooling, Franklin became a successful printer, scientist, musician and author. Oh, and in his spare time he helped found a country and then served as its diplomat. The key to Franklin’s success was his drive to constantly improve himself. In 1726, at the age of twenty, Ben Franklin set his loftiest goal: the attainment of moral perfection. “I conceiv’d the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish’d to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.” In order to accomplish his goal, Franklin developed and committed himself to a personal improvement program that consisted of living thirteen virtues. The thirteen virtues were: “TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.” “SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.” “ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.” “RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.” “FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.” “INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.” “SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak,...