Over the years, in both a professional and personal situations, I have had the occasion to visit one of America�s finest �old� cities � Philadelphia.  One cannot escape the impact Benjamin Franklin made on both the city and the country when one visits any of the city�s many attractions.  We all know of Franklin�s famous experiments with electricity via a key and kite.  Many of us have first-hand experience with some of his inventions, such as the Franklin Stove or bi-focal glasses.  A visit to his adopted city also highlight many of his other innovations such as the first public free library, the first volunteer fire department, the University of Pennsylvania, the hospital system and more.

While Franklin is known to have had his  unsavory or � bad� habits, his reputation as a sage and wit remains well known through such publications as his POOR RICHARDS� ALMANAC.

Planning and fortitude was the foundation of his successes, though and he based it on a commitment to list of what he called virtues.  Franklin identified 13 of these virtues and practiced or emphasized one each week, giving each a special focus four times a year.

Below are Franklin�s virtues listed in bold letters.  I have taken the liberty to update each of these in contemporary phrases in italics.  Some of his are awkward in language, but not in intent�..
 

Who makes resolutions anymore? 

Well, last year was an alright year, all things considered.  I think this year, I�ll work on a stronger commitment to planning and consider the success record of our friend, Dr. Franklin. 

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication or of Best Western International.