Poor Richard’s 13 Virtues for Health, Wealth & Peace in Retirement
INTRODUCTION TO POOR RICHARD
"Poor Richard” was the pen name Benjamin Franklin used in his wildly popular Poor Richard’s Almanack, published from 1732 to 1758. Under that name, he shared practical American wisdom on thrift, industry, and self-improvement. But, the 13 virtues themselves come directly from Franklin’s Autobiography, written in his later years.
Born in 1706, Franklin built a successful printing business in Philadelphia. In 1748, at exactly age 42, he retired from active business. He signed a partnership with his foreman David Hall, kept half the profits as passive income, and never printed again. He became a gentleman and devoted the rest of his life to science, politics, and service. He lived to age 84, and remained active until the end.
Franklin started practicing these virtues at age 20 as a plan for moral perfection. At age 79 he reflected. To Temperance he ascribes his long-continued health… to Industry and Frugality, the early easiness of his circumstances and acquisition of his fortune. In retirement today (particularly in the Philippines) with its welcoming communities, and affordable lifestyle, the following list of virtues will build greater financial freedom, physical health, mental tranquility, and lasting fulfillment for you, your new family, and those you will mentor.
THE 13 VIRTUES
Here are the 13 virtues exactly as Franklin listed them in his Autobiography (with his original precepts). I’ll show you how each one can benefit you now, especially in Philippine retirement.
1. Temperance – “Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.”
Franklin credited this for his long-continued health and good constitution into old age. In retirement, it keeps energy high and medical costs low – exactly as it sustained his active decades after 1748, and pairs perfectly with a stable and healthy retirement in the Philippines.
2. Silence – “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”
This built the calm focus that let him write influential papers and negotiate treaties in retirement. Today it reduces stress and strengthens relationships with family and community. especially in the Philippines and Asia where avoidance of conflict is essential.
3. Order – “Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.”
Though Franklin admitted it was his hardest, mastering it gave structure to his scientific experiments and civic projects post-retirement. Retirees today use it to organize finances, health routines, and legacy projects without chaos.
4. Resolution – “Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.”
This determination turned retirement into decades of achievement. It gives retirees the discipline to stick to goals like travel, volunteering, or learning new skills.
5. Frugality – “Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself;” (waste nothing).
Franklin directly credited Frugality (with Industry) for his early fortune and passive income that funded retirement at 42. Today it creates the financial cushion for worry-free golden years and generous giving, stretching even further in the Philippines with the lower cost of living.
6. Industry – “Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.”
Paired with Frugality, this built his wealth for early retirement and kept him productive in science and statesmanship afterward. Retirees who stay useful through hobbies, mentoring, or part-time work, report greater satisfaction and sense purpose.
7. Sincerity – “Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”
This earned him trust that led to honorable public roles in his retired years. It fosters authentic friendships and family bonds that make retirement meaningful. This is ideal for building new family ties in welcoming Philippine communities.
8. Justice – “Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”
Franklin said Sincerity and Justice gave him his country’s confidence and honorable employ. In retirement it builds a legacy of fairness and community respect, perfect for mentoring others.
9. Moderation – “Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.”
This prevented burnout and resentment, allowing Franklin calm focus on big projects after retiring. Today it protects mental health amid life’s ups and downs by reinforcing the American idiom; “Don’t make a mountain out of a mole-hill”.
10. Cleanliness – “Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.”
Simple daily habit that supported his long health and dignified gentleman status in retirement. Staying fit, dressing appropriately and maintaining a clutter free home is essential for long-term health, effectiveness, and success.
11. Tranquility – “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”
Franklin’s overall evenness of temper came from the combination of all of these virtues together. This one delivers the peace of mind retirees crave.
12. Chastity – “Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.”
Essential in protecting your health and reputation, and supporting stable family relationships.
13. Humility – “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
Be open to learning and collaboration, and to mentoring humbly in new communities.
CONCLUSION
Franklin never claimed perfection – he called himself ‘a better and a happier man’ simply for trying. His retirement at 42 was not luck; it was the direct result of Temperance, Industry, and Frugality creating wealth, health, and purpose.
These same virtues work today: financial independence through frugality and industry, sustained health through temperance and cleanliness, mental peace through tranquility and moderation, and joyful later years.
These virtues are particularly powerful for retirement in the Philippines. Adhering to these rules delivers immense benefits for your new family or close relationships. Start with even just one virtue, and watch your retirement improve.
Which virtue will you start with in retirement? Comment below.
Citations
1. Britannica Biography:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin
2. Full Autobiography (Gutenberg):