Lately, I’ve been receiving inspiration from a Polymath:

Author and Printer, Satirist, Political Theorist, Politician, Scientist, Inventor, Civic Activist, Statesman, Soldier, Abolitionist, Musician and Diplomat…

Brother Benjamin Franklin.

Definition from wikipedia:
A polymath (Greek polymathēs, πολυμαθής, “having learned much”) is a person whose expertise fills a significant number of subject areas.

Originally i was pointed towards this NYTimes blog post from illustrator, author and designer Maira Kalman (that’s her bobby pin above) by a friend.

Since then I’ve been listening to Franklin’s autobiography here and researching polymaths.

Why Keith, why?

Well, I find the whole idea of a polymath to be less about brains and towering achievement (of course there’s that) but more about a kind of bottomless curiosity.

Bottomless curiosity inspires me… bottomlessly? (Sorry.)

And why BF? He seemed to be concerned with the common good versus the strictly personal good. (i.e. “If you shine, I shine.”)

I believe in that. I live that.

Shine on.

For those of you who don’t find Benjamin F. sexy enough maybe this floats your boat.

Of course, if nothing floats your boat then I’d take a look at this.

Now, a few words In closing developed by a 20 year old:

1. Temperance. Eat not to Dullness. Drink not to Elevation.

2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling Conversation.

3. Order. Let all your Things have their Places. Let each Part of your Business have its Time.

4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality. Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.

6. Industry. Lose no Time. Be always employ’d in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.

7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful Deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. Justice. Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.

9. Moderation. Avoid Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Clothes or Habitation.

11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.

12. Chastity. Rarely use Venery but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another’s Peace or Reputation.

13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Also…

The Morning Question, What Good shall I do this Day?

The Evening Question, What Good have I done today?

—Benjamin Franklin