Franklin's Autobiography Summary

     Benjamin Franklin was clearly a very intelligent man, not just evident by his achievements but also through his attitude. At the young age of twenty Franklin had decided that he would like to achieve the highest morals he was capable of reaching, and even set up an entire system to help with this. In his autobiography Franklin talks about 13 virtues he would use to develop his character and better his morals:

1. Temperance- or moderation, especially with consumables. Often people will think of alcohol when they think of temperance.
2. Silence- or not speaking whenever it isn't necessary. Avoiding drama and other dull conversations.
3. Order- or avoiding chaotic lack of pattern. Make sure you spend the right amount of time focused on one thing at a time. 
4. Resolution- or deciding to do something that must be done and actually achieving the goals you set. 
5. Frugality- or not wasting anything. Ensuring that every scrap of everything you do is used.
6. Industry- or avoid wasting time. Always be busy with something productive.
7. Sincerity- or being just and kind. Franklin thought that even your thoughts should be positive and truthful. This doesn't necessary mean that speech is required, but should words be spoken they should be the appropriate truth. 
8. Justice- or not harming others. A person should also help others that need it. 
9. Moderation- or staying away from extremes. Keeping your life mild and calm, avoid grudges. 
10. Cleanliness- not much else to say, be neat and clean.
11. Tranquility- or being calm. Don't be upset by little things, things that happen often, or unavoidable things. 
12. Chastity- or not using sex to injure reputations or as recreation. 
13. Humility- or what would Jesus do? Don't be overconfident or narcissistic. 

     Franklin quickly realized that he couldn't immediately take on all thirteen virtues overnight, he would pay special attention to a few and fail to achieve the others. So, being the scientific man that he was, Benjamin Franklin developed a system for bettering his character. Starting with the first virtue, temperance, he spent a week focusing on that virtue and at the end of the week added another to focus on. For example: the first week would be temperance; the second temperance and silence; the third temperance, silence, and order; et cetera.

(TV Tropes)

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     Being a young man only in his twenties, this showed incredible courage and personality. Benjamin Franklin was the kind of person who planned out every day exactly what he would do, and did exactly that. He appreciated a scientific method to every aspect of his life, and appreciated good morals. 

http://thirteenvirtues.com/

Prentice Hall Literature, The American Experience Penguin Edition, Benjamin Franklin's The Autobiography