"would be more easy; and my desire being to gain knowledge at the same time that i improved in virtue, and considering that in conversation, it was obtained rather by the use of the ears than of the " this refers to the virtue that franklin found to be the easiest to master. question 7 options: order temperance silence humility

Silence.

Explanation:

The quoted sentences are taken from Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, where he details the 13 virtues that, after consulting various sources revolving the topic, he found most often cited within them and desirable to be embodied in himself. These virtues were temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility.

Silence in particular was something that he found easier to develop than the first virtue, temperance, though  he still desires to reduce this tendency, as quoted from the autobiography: "... and therefore wishing to break a habit I was getting into prattling, punning, and joking, which only made me acceptable to trifling company ..."

i don't know and i don't care .