Franklin’s Fugio Cent & His 13 Virtues
On April 21, 1787, the Congress of the Confederation of the United States authorized a design for an official copper penny. It was later referred to as the Fugio cent because of its image of the Sun and its light shining down on a sundial with the caption, “Fugio” (Latin: I flee, referring to time flying by). By some accounts, this coin was designed by Benjamin Franklin as a reminder to its holders, he put at its bottom the message, “Mind your business”. This design was based on the 1776 “Continental dollar” coin, which was produced in pattern pieces but was never circulated. It consists of 10 grams of copper.
The reverse side bore the motto “We Are One” surrounded by thirteen chain links, representing the original thirteen colonial states. Notice the 13 interlocking rings on the coin’s design as shown above. It symbolizes the colonies and Franklin’s virtues. He believed every person should be responsible for building his or her own character.
Check out this link below for a further discussion of those 13 virtues:
https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/the-virtuous-life-wrap-up/
Neglect
Now and in the days ahead, people will need our help somehow. They may need a listening ear, a hug of sympathy, a word of encouragement, a grocery bag of food, or an explanation of understanding. We should not ignore those around us nor neglect our duty to serve and help as we can.
Alexander MacLaren, a Baptist preacher and expositor (1826-1910), wrote about many things and subjects. Still, the Crime of Negligence got me thinking about those in my orbit of life. I share a portion of his writing below.
The Crime of Negligence
We are to use any power we possess to help others. Not doing so is a sin. Whether we intentionally or forgetfully neglect to do anything we can is a crime. To withhold help we can render or provide is to participate in the authorship of all the misery we have failed to relieve. He who neglects to save a life; kills. Our cities and communities are led by incompetent, inept, and bungling men or women in high positions. The indolent, lazy, and slothful ones in lower places of authority are responsible for the suffering of many. It is their blundering blindness that allows any suffering to continue. Misery is caused by their selfishness. Violence slays its thousands, but tens of thousands are destroyed by a failure to act or protest due to one’s moral weakness or laziness. Where the conditions are fatal to life, the guilt of blood lies on these people.
The Excuse of Negligence
We are obliged to know things. Even the most ignorant of us know. We cannot help knowing which condemns our neglect. Basically, there are no excuses for being negligent. To say, “We didn’t know,” is really a lie of a coward. Pretending ignorance is partly a false excuse. To neglect those in trouble and need around us is to be callous of heart to the woe and loss that other men suffer.
The Condemnation of Negligence
God watches the hearts of men and women with great diligence. This contrasts with our lazy and superficial looks. If God ‘takes pains’ to see after His children, we are bound to look with great care on each of our brethren. God seeks to know each of His children. Are we not bound or obligated to know one another? Are we too busy with our petty personal concerns to take an interest in helping the sorrows and fighting against the sins of the world? The strongest motive for seeking to save others is that God has saved us.
The Judgment of Negligence
Let us not forget that our works follow us in this life and the future. There is a judgment both presently and in the future for all men. Not only what they do but what they inconsistently fail to do. Deliver those that are appointed or sentenced to be slain unjustly. Don’t hesitate to help them with your faithful witness.
The Rule of Kings, Presidents, and Others in Power
Haven’t you questioned the leaders of your state or national government at times? What were they thinking when…they decided to do that? I have noticed something interesting.
The Bible has a lot to say about the conduct of kings, which implied any leader or representative of the people. There is a great responsibility that goes with being the leader of a country like the United States. A responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
Proverbs 16:10
All kings and judges of the earth are to be just and rule in the fear of God (Matthew Henry commentary). Seems today that our leaders have no fear of God, nor do they respect Him because they don’t respect the people they govern.
Proverbs 16:11
Fairness in business, not dishonesty, honors the Lord God. This is true of business dealings as well as governmental affairs toward the citizens and other countries. Where is the fairness today?
Proverbs 16:12
All rulers and unelected bureaucrats should love truth and justice. A good king not only does justice, but it is disgusting to him to do otherwise; he will hate the thought of doing wrong and perverting justice (Benson commentary). We see none of this today. But it should be demanded of our elected officials at all levels. And should be a characteristic or quality that we look for in future government leaders.
So ask yourself, do you see this quality in the current occupier of the WH or in the Supreme Court or in your state and local county offices? If not, why not? We are responsible for insuring that the proper men and women of the highest ethical standards serve. God help us!
Groupthink
Have you found yourself in a situation of “groupthink” lately? I believe that at one time or another, whether we realized it or not, we were. What is groupthink? The Oxford Dictionary states “it is the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility.”
More than ever, all of us need to practice the ability to think for ourselves. Making independent and individual decisions can seem like a scary place to be because right or wrong you alone are responsible for the consequences. Going along with the group can seem like a safe place where no one has responsibility and blame can be spread evenly around. It can also present problems that none wish to pursue.
Groupthink can occur when a person has a strong tendency to fall for group decision-making on any issue. People become convinced that the group’s action is best without giving any time to consider other alternatives. There are some folks who may not be able to make decisions on their own. They wait to see where the majority of friends and family thinking is going and just goes along to get along. Otherwise they start to feel isolated or stressed out. Because of their uncertainty, they turn to a hive mentality in decision-making and just go with the group.
The graphic below illustrates what can happen. Always ask the critical questions up front. Ask why and ask for justifications. Present alternative points of view. Watch what happens next. You will surprise many.
A New Subject to Consider: Mass Psychosis
What is presented in the link below is a little over 21 minutes long. It is easy to follow and is so important. Please take the time to listen and give it your consideration. Thank you.
https://youtu.be/09maaUaRT4M
Mass Psychosis is a Real Global Pandemic
from AcademyofIdeas.com
Bill Wyler
More from Bill- An error has occurred; the feed is probably down. Try again later.
-
Archives
- April 2025 (1)
- February 2025 (1)
- January 2025 (6)
- December 2024 (1)
- April 2024 (4)
- March 2024 (4)
- February 2024 (6)
- January 2024 (8)
- November 2023 (1)
- July 2023 (1)
- June 2023 (1)
- May 2023 (1)
-
Categories
-
RSS
Entries RSS
Comments RSS
Reviews and Views 