It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.
大约正是在这个时期，我萌生了一个大胆而艰辛的宏愿：追求道德的臻于至善。我希望能在一生中不犯任何过错；我要战胜一切可能由天生习性、旧日陈规或不良朋辈引诱我堕入的泥淖。
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.
节制：食不过饱，饮不过量。自省沉默：只说对自己或他人有益之言，戒除无聊闲谈。秩序井然：让所有物品各得其所，让每项事务各得其时。
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.
果断决意：当做之事必下决心去践行，决意之事必坚定不移去完成。崇尚俭朴：花钱只为自身或他人造福，言下之意，切不可有丝毫浪费。