THE MORE I KNOW
the better I can manage my life

PREVIOUS: What is Character (#2)

See ACRONYM page for abbrev.

POSITIVE TRAITS + Contrasts
The book “Character Strengths and Virtues” 2004, by Christopher Peterson & Martin Seligman, provides a renewed focus on the science of character – the research community’s first attempt to identify positive human traits.  The authors defined character strengths (CS) as the pathways to virtues which are valued by moral philosophers & religious teachers.

• This CHART is for us to ponder, identify & then own all Character Strengths that fit us & we allow ourselves to acknowledge. Think of examples of each positive trait from your life experience. Get suggestions from a trusted ally, if needed.

• The 1st column lists Positive Characteristics & then contrasts each with 3 variations.  If you identify mainly with columns 2, 3 or 4, you then can see what Healthy traits you can work towards, rather than just giving up as being hopeless.
You may want to print out this form & check off the traits you identify with – in the narrow white columns. Use a gradient of 1 to 5 for each, 1 being weakest, 5 the strongest.

NEXT: ‘Positive Character – Humanity’ : the next few posts are a sample list of character qualities, divided into themes. You can add to the list or change the category you think each fits into, as it makes sense to you.

CATEGORIES : 1. Wisdom & Knowledge  2. Courage
3. Love  4. Justice  5. Temperance  6. Transcendence