The concept of 24 character strengths is associated with the VIA Classification of Strengths, developed by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. The VIA Classification identifies and categorizes 24 universal character strengths that are considered positive traits in individuals. These strengths are grouped into six broad categories, known as the “VIA Signature Strengths.” Each strength is valued across cultures and is seen as contributing to personal well-being and positive human functioning.
Here are the 24 character strengths grouped into their respective categories:
1. Wisdom:
- Creativity: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things.
- Curiosity: Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; exploring and discovering.
- Open-Mindedness: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; weighing evidence.
- Love of Learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one’s own or formally.
- Perspective: Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself and to others.
2. Courage:
- Bravery: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is personal risk.
- Persistence: Finishing what one starts; persevering in a course of action despite obstacles.
- Integrity: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way.
- Vitality: Approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activated.
3. Humanity:
- Love: Valuing close relations with others, in particular, those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated.
- Kindness: Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.
- Social Intelligence: Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.
4. Justice:
- Citizenship: Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one’s share.
- Fairness: Treating all people fairly; giving everyone an equal chance; not playing favorites.
- Leadership: Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same time maintain good relations within the group.
5. Temperance:
- Forgiveness and Mercy: Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful.
- Humility/Modesty: Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.
- Prudence: Being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.
- Self-Regulation: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one’s appetites and emotions.
6. Transcendence:
- Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence: Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life.
- Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.
- Hope: Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it.
- Humor: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes.
- Spirituality/Religiousness: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of life; having beliefs that shape conduct and provide comfort.
It’s important to note that individuals may possess these strengths to varying degrees, and the VIA Classification aims to highlight and celebrate the diversity of positive traits that contribute to the richness of human character. People often find that identifying and leveraging their signature strengths can lead to greater life satisfaction and well-being.