Benjamin Franklin Nightly Examination

Adopt Benjamin Franklin's nightly routine to close open loops, review your daily character, and tidy your workspace before bed. This 90 minute block creates intentional closure each evening.

5 time blocks, 90 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Put Things in Place: 15 min
Clear your workspace and put tools back in their assigned spots
Supper and Diversion: 45 min
Eat supper, listen to music, or converse with family and friends
Virtue Grid Inspection: 10 min
Review your thirteen virtues book and record any daily lapses
Nightly Question Reflection: 10 min
Answer the central question: What good have I done today?
Final Evening Wind Down: 10 min
Tidy up remaining items and settle down for sleep

About this routine

In his autobiography, Benjamin Franklin outlined a structured evening schedule to end each day with purpose. Benjamin Franklin's nightly routine centered on order and self-reflection, dividing the hours after work into practical tasks and thoughtful review. He dedicated time to putting his workspace in order, enjoying supper, and reflecting on his moral character.

At the core of his evening reflection was a single question: What good have I done today? Franklin recorded his progress in a small notebook where he tracked thirteen daily virtues, such as temperance, order, and sincerity. By inspecting his actions against these standards, he identified areas for improvement without harsh self-judgment.

This 90 minute template captures Franklin's approach to ending the day. Putting physical tools back in place clears cognitive clutter, while answering a structured prompt brings intentional closure. Following this sequence using a daily routine timer helps you close open loops, cultivate self-awareness, and rest deeply.

Why this routine works

Clears mental clutter by placing physical items back in their places
Encourages daily self-examination through structured prompts
Tracks personal progress using Franklin's thirteen virtues framework
Creates a clear boundary between work and rest each evening

FAQ

What was Benjamin Franklin's nightly examination question?

Franklin asked himself every evening: What good have I done today? This single question guided his end of day reflection.

What did Benjamin Franklin do during his evening schedule?

Between work and sleep, Franklin cleared his desk, ate supper, enjoyed music or conversation, and reviewed his daily virtue tracker.

How long does Benjamin Franklin's nightly examination take?

The full evening sequence takes 90 minutes, including 30 minutes specifically set aside for nightly examination and reflection.

Sources

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

More routines

Benjamin Franklin Virtue Tracking