Character Strengths: Pathways to Virtue
24 Universal Strengths That Define Human Excellence
What Are the VIA Character Strengths?
The VIA (Values in Action) Classification of Character Strengths represents one of positive psychology's most significant contributions to understanding human excellence. Developed by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, this framework identifies 24 universal character strengths that are valued across cultures, time periods, and philosophical traditions.
Unlike personality traits (which describe how you typically behave) or talents (which are often innate), character strengths are moral capacities that can be deliberately cultivated. They represent the best of who you can be—qualities like courage, kindness, wisdom, and self-regulation that enable you to live a meaningful, flourishing life.
💬 The Power of One Question at a Time
Think about how awareness changes everything: "Which of your character strengths do you rely on most when facing challenges?" or "How might you use your signature strengths in new ways this week?"
Character isn't built through abstract ideals—it's developed through daily choices and self-awareness. FlourishTalk helps you discover your unique constellation of the 24 universal character strengths, revealing pathways to authentic excellence one reflective question at a time.
🎯 The VIA Framework
The 24 character strengths are organized into six core virtues that have been valued throughout human history:
Wisdom & Knowledge • Courage • Humanity • Justice • Temperance • Transcendence
Each virtue is a pathway to human flourishing, expressed through specific character strengths. Together, they form a comprehensive map of moral excellence that transcends individual cultures while honoring diverse expressions of the good life.
Research shows that people who identify and regularly use their signature strengths (their top 3-7 strengths) experience greater wellbeing, engagement, meaning, achievement, and positive relationships. The VIA framework helps you discover which strengths come most naturally to you—and which you might want to develop further.
The Six Virtues and 24 Character Strengths
Each virtue encompasses multiple character strengths. Explore how these strengths manifest in your life:
Creativity
Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things
Curiosity
Taking an interest in ongoing experience; exploring and discovering
Judgment
Thinking things through and examining from all sides; open-mindedness
Love of Learning
Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge
Perspective
Providing wise counsel to others; having a big-picture view
Bravery
Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain
Perseverance
Finishing what one starts; persisting despite obstacles
Honesty
Speaking the truth and presenting oneself genuinely and authentically
Zest
Approaching life with excitement and energy; vitality and enthusiasm
Love
Valuing close relations with others; being close to people
Kindness
Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping and caring
Social Intelligence
Being aware of motives and feelings of self and others
Teamwork
Working well as a member of a group or team; loyalty
Fairness
Treating all people fairly according to notions of justice and equity
Leadership
Organizing group activities and ensuring they happen effectively
Forgiveness
Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting others' shortcomings
Humility
Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not seeking spotlight
Prudence
Being careful about choices; not saying or doing things that might be regretted
Self-Regulation
Regulating what one feels and does; self-control and discipline
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and skilled performance
Gratitude
Being aware of and thankful for good things that happen
Hope
Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it
Humor
Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people
Spirituality
Having coherent beliefs about higher purpose and meaning of life
Who Benefits from Exploring Character Strengths?
Everyone—because character development is universal and lifelong:
- Individuals seeking self-understanding wanting to identify their natural strengths and growth areas
- Students and educators using strengths-based approaches to learning and development
- Professionals and leaders leveraging strengths for career success and team building
- Parents and families recognizing and nurturing each person's unique strengths
- People in transition reconnecting with core values during life changes
- Therapists and coaches using strengths-based interventions with clients
- Teams and organizations building cultures of appreciation and excellence
- Anyone pursuing personal growth wanting a research-based framework for development
Why Character Strengths Matter
Research consistently demonstrates that understanding and using your character strengths leads to measurable improvements in wellbeing and life satisfaction:
📊 Evidence-Based Benefits
Studies on character strengths show that people who identify and use their signature strengths experience:
- Greater life satisfaction, happiness, and positive emotions when using top strengths regularly
- Increased engagement and flow in daily activities aligned with natural capacities
- Stronger sense of meaning and purpose from living authentically
- Improved relationships and social connections through strengths appreciation
- Better academic and work performance when leveraging signature strengths
- Enhanced resilience and ability to cope with stress by applying strengths to challenges
- Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with strengths use
- Greater self-confidence and self-esteem from recognizing personal excellence
- Discover your signature strengths: Identify the 3-7 strengths that are most essential to who you are and energize you most
- Build on what's right: Focus on developing strengths rather than only fixing weaknesses
- Find authentic paths: Align your life, work, and relationships with your natural capacities
- Appreciate diversity: Recognize that different people have different strength profiles—all valuable
- Navigate challenges: Apply specific strengths to overcome obstacles and achieve goals
- Create balance: Develop underutilized strengths while honoring your signature strengths
How FlourishTalk Helps You Develop Character Strengths
Understanding the 24 character strengths intellectually is one thing—discovering how they manifest in your unique life is another. FlourishTalk provides thoughtful questions that help you:
Identify Your Signature Strengths: Through reflective questions about each strength, discover which ones come most naturally, energize you most, and feel most essential to who you are.
Explore Underutilized Strengths: Recognize strengths you possess but rarely use, creating opportunities for growth and balance.
Apply Strengths Intentionally: Learn to deliberately leverage specific strengths in challenges, relationships, work, and personal goals.
Have Meaningful Conversations: Use these questions with partners, family, teams, or coaches to discuss character in structured, appreciative ways.
Track Development Over Time: Revisit strength questions periodically to notice growth, celebrate progress, and identify new areas for development.
Explore All 24 Universal Character Strengths:
Ready to Discover Your Character Strengths?
Begin exploring all 24 universal pathways to human excellence—one question at a time