If you asked me who my very favorite person was in history, I would have to say Benjamin Franklin. At age 20, he made a list of the 13 virtues that he wanted to get better at. He pursued the embodiment of these virtues in a very deliberate way by keeping track of them in a notebook. And he actually improved! These virtues were:
- Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
- Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
- Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
- Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
- Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
- Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
- Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
- Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
- Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
- Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
- Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
- 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.
- Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
So, I was thinking what might be the virtues of trumpet players. Here’s what I came up with. What do you think are the most essential trumpet virtues?
- Willingness. Openness to challenges and the opportunities they bring.
- Inquisitiveness. Curious about trumpet players, trumpet ideas and trumpet music.
- Generosity. Willing to give of your efforts, your music and your wisdom.
- Self-honesty. Acceptance of your ability as it is. This is the way to improve.
- Creativity. Enjoy putting a little of your own artistry into your music making.
- Patience. Willing to wait on results.
- Sense of team. Building a group together for the good of everyone.
- Communication. Seeking first to understand and then to find ways to convey your meaning (whether through conversations or with your trumpet).
- Humility. Letting go of the need to get more money, power or fame, but instead aiming to help others.
- Friendliness. Desire to connect, help, spend time with the people in your trumpet-universe.