Character Strengths and Virtues

"Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above, especially those interested in positive psychology." --Choice"Peterson and Seligman's Character Strengths and Virtues adds a needed balance to the psychological literature. Topics such as character and virtue have too long been only in the domains of moral philosophy and politics. This work provides a needed psychological foundation for studying some of the attributes that are most important to a world that is foundering on the shoals of wars, terrorism, and atrocities. I recommend the book veryhighly."-Robert J. Sternberg, IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale University; Director, Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise (PACE Center), Yale University; Past President, AmericanPsychological Association"Peterson and Seligman's endeavor to focus on human strengths and virtues is one of the most important initiatives in psychology of the past half century. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to this paradigm-changing effort."-Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Education and Cognition, Harvard Graduate School of Education"The book helps, in other words, with a coherent conversation about human qualities or character. Perhaps it can ultimately help people to remain 'attached to their values' as well."--Family Medicine"Peterson and Seligman's endeavor to focus on human strengths and virtues is one of the most important initiatives in psychology of the past half century. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to this paradigm-changing effort."-Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Education and Cognition, Harvard Graduate School of Education"Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above, especially those interested in positive psychology." --Choice"Peterson and Seligman's Character Strengths and Virtues adds a needed balance to the psychological literature. Topics such as character and virtue have too long been only in the domains of moral philosophy and politics. This work provides a needed psychological foundation for studying some of the attributes that are most important to a world that is foundering on the shoals of wars, terrorism, and atrocities. I recommend the book veryhighly."-Robert J. Sternberg, IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale University; Director, Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise (PACE Center), Yale University; Past President, AmericanPsychological Association"The book helps, in other words, with a coherent conversation about human qualities or character. Perhaps it can ultimately help people to remain 'attached to their values' as well."--Family Medicine

• PART 1: BACKGROUND ; 1. Introduction to a "Manual of the Sanities" ; 2. Universal Virtues? - Lessons from History ; 3. Previous Classifications of Character Strengths ; PART 2: STRENGTHS OF CHARACTER ; Strengths of Wisdom and Knowledge ; 4. Creativity [Originality, Ingenuity] ; 5. Curiosity [Interest, Novelty-Seeking, Openness to Experience] ; 6. Open-Mindedness [Judgement, Critical Thinking] ; 7. Love of Learning ; 8. Perspective [Wisdom] ; Strengths of Courage ; 9. Bravery [Valor] ; 10. Persistence [Perseverance, Industriousness] ; 11. Integrity [Authenticity, Honesty] ; 12. Vitality [Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy] ; Strengths of Humanity ; 13. Love ; 14. Kindness [Generosity, Nurturance, Care, Compassion, Altruistic Love, "Niceness"] ; 15. Social Intelligence [Emotional Intelligence, Personal Intelligence] ; Strengths of Justice ; 16. Citizenship [Social Responsibility, Loyalty, Teamwork] ; 17. Fairness ; 18. Leadership ; Strengths of Temperance ; 19. Forgiveness and Mercy ; 20. Modesty and Humility ; 21. Prudence ; 22. Self-Regulation [Self-Control] ; Strengths of Transcendence ; 23. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence [Awe, Wonder, Elevation] ; 24. Gratitude ; 25. Hope [Optimism, Future-Mindedness, Future Orientation] ; 26. Humor [Playfulness] ; 27. Spirituality [Religiousness, Faith, Purpose] ; PART 3: CONCLUSIONS ; 28. Assessment and Applications