Question

Why does Franklin begin his program with temperance? Cite and explain evidence from the text in your answer.

Answer 1

Explanation:  Benjamin Franklin has put together his own list or program of 13 virtues that anyone should achieve. In the first place, temperance is the virtue that underlies the following 12. Namely, temperance develops the self-discipline that is required to attain all other virtues, that is, self-discipline is necessary to uphold the other 12 virtues.

"Temperance - Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."

Temperance is achieved by moderation in eating and drinking, as hunger and thirst represent the greatest urge that people have. If temperance is achieved and the need to eat and drink excessively is controlled, then every other virtue can be controlled and developed to the full attainment of that virtue. If the basic urge of food is defeated and controlled, then any other temptations that prevent the development of virtues can be controlled. Each temptation should be overcome and controlled, and thus each of these virtues will evolve, and that is why it should start from the basic urge for food, means starting from the strongest inner urge by going to the outer urge, in order to achieve more external virtues. This would be called "healthy habits" today. Temperance in eating and drinking achieves pure thought, clear vision and activity instead of laziness. And all of this, of course, is a precondition for developing all other virtues, that is as we say today, for achieving the set goals.