In 1726, at the age of 20, Benjamin Franklin created a system to develop his character.
In his autobiography, Franklin listed his thirteen virtues as:
[ol]
[li]Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.[/li][li]Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.[/li][li]Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.[/li][li]Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.[/li][li]Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.[/li][li]Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.[/li][li]Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.[/li][li]Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.[/li][li]Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.[/li][li]Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.[/li][li]Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.[/li][li]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.[/li][li]Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.[/li][/ol]
source: http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/