The Virtues app
Energizes you daily to apply the virtues in your pursuit of happiness.
Inspired by Ben Franklin's system to achieve moral perfection.
Made for ones who value reason, purpose, and self-esteem.
(free, coming soon)
Ben Franklin's System
In 1728, at the age of 22, Ben Franklin conceived the "bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection." He first identified his governing values, then he made a concerted effort to live his life, day in, day out, according to these values. To that end he devised a chart of virtues —one in focus each week— to track his own daily adherence to moral principles. He used that system for the rest of his life.
We've adapted his system to modern technology and rational moral principles.
The Virtues app is free to download, and coming soon for iOS and Android.
"Value" is that which one acts to gain and keep, "virtue" is the action by which one gains and keeps it.
Virtue is not an end in itself. Virtue is not its own reward or sacrificial fodder for the reward of evil. *Life* is the reward of virtue--and happiness is the goal and the reward of life.
A man's shortcomings are taken from his epoch; his virtues and greatness belong to himself.
Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.
I conceiv’d the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish’d to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.
Self-preservation is the primary and only foundation of virtue.
Virtue begins with understanding and is fulfilled by courage.
Just acts are pleasant to the lover of justice and in general virtuous acts to the lover of virtue.
All the virtues are interrelated. They are all expressions of rationality. They are therefore all logically interconnected, both in philosophic theory and in actual practice.
To Happiness!
Your pursuit of happiness requires reason, purpose, and self-esteem. To achieve these values one should understand and live by specific principles, known as The Virtues: rationality, selfishness, independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness, and pride.
How it works
Each week, one virtue is in focus.
Each morning, you are offered a new quote to inspire reflection and deliberate practice of that virtue.
Each evening, you assess your excellence for the day in practicing that virtue.
Your personal cycle of virtues lasts eight weeks, then a new cycle of virtues starts, with a different sequence.
The private progress chart tracks your moral practice and perfection across the days and weeks of each virtue cycle.
The virtue quotes you receive are fresh every day, not repeating for years.
Your daily practice and progress chart are completely private.
Each cycle of virtues and each weekly progression of virtue quotes are uniquely generated for you, not in common with other users.
Key Features
The Virtues
Live by these principles
Focus
A renewed focus on one virtue each week
Inspiration
Daily quote to help you adhere to the weekly virtue
Excellence
Observe your progress with week-by-week charts
Pride
Achieve moral perfection
Reference
Your convenient guide to the essential virtues
Reference
This app is a perfect reference guide to the essential virtues, helping you live according to the principles of Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand.
Suggested reading list:
