According to The Art of Virtue1, Benjamin Franklin decided to work hard at becoming a virtuous person. It became his life’s work. When an associate (a Quaker friend) pointed out that he was a rather prideful person, Franklin listened. Thereafter, he worked to correct his manner by behaving with greater humility. For example:

“I determined to endeavour to cure myself, if I could, of this vice or folly among the rest; and I added Humility to my list, giving an extensive meaning to the word.” – The Art of Virtue, page 16.

“When another asserted something that I thought an error, I denied myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly, and of showing immediately some absurdity in his proposition; and in answering I began by observing that, in certain cases or circumstances, his opinion would be right, but in the present case there appeared or seemed to me some difference, &c. I soon found the advantage of this change in my manners; the conversations I engaged in went on more pleasantly. The modest way in which I proposed my opinions procured them a readier reception and less contradiction; I had less mortification when I was found to be in the wrong; and I more easily prevailed with others to give up their mistakes and join with me, when I happened to be in the right.”– The Art of Virtue, page 17.

It turned out that Ben Franklin achieved great levels of personal success and acclaim by trying to become as virtuous as he could be. Franklin was a true warrior. I recommend that you get the book—all 62 pages of it.

You are warriors. You will become more than you could possibly be—should you pursue the Virtues as a set of personality traits for yourself. Your alternative is vice. So it has been written.