Reasonably Random Rants and Raves

Late in his life, Benjamin Franklin passed the following instructions on living to his children. It’s good advice still.

• 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 employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions,
• sincerity – use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly,
• justice – wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty,
• moderation – avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think  they deserve,
• cleanliness – tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothing, or habitation,
• tranquility – be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable,
• 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, and
• humility – imitate Jesus and Socrates.  

Selah.

why?