Values, Virtues and Strengths

Greek word commonly translated as happiness or welfare. In Aristotle’s works, eudaimonia was (based on older Greek tradition) used as the term for the highest human good, and so it is the aim of practical philosophy, including ethics and political philosophy, to consider (and also experience) what it really is, and how it can be achieved.

Seven groupings of values and strengths that have been universally loved across cultures, religions and history:

•             Integrity

•             Generosity

•             Courage

•             Humility

•             Compassion

•             Loyalty

•             Perseverance

Identify your strengths and virtues. At what do you shine? A literature review of all major religions and philosophies of the last 3,000 years reveals the same seven major categories of 24 virtues (from Seligman, Authentic Happiness, 2002):

I. Wisdom and Knowledge                                                         

1. Curiosity/Interest in the World
2. Love of Learning
3. Judgment/Critical Thinking/Open-Mindedness
4. Ingenuity/Originality/Practical Intelligence/Street Smarts
5. Social Intelligence/Personal Intelligence/Emotional Intelligence
6. Perspective

II. Justice

• Citizenship/Duty/Teamwork/Loyalty
•  Fairness and Equity
•  Leadership

III. Courage

1.  Valor and Bravery
2.  Perseverance/Industry/Diligence
3.  Integrity/Genuineness/Honesty

IV. Temperance

1.  Self-Control
2.  Prudence/Discretion/Caution
3.  Humility and Modesty

VI. Love and Humanity

1.  Kindness and Generosity
2.  Loving and Allowing Oneself to Be Loved

VII. Spirituality and Transcendence

1.  Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
2.  Gratitude
3.  Hope/Optimism/Future-Mindedness
4.  Spirituality/Sense of Purpose/Faith/Religiousness
5.  Forgiveness and Mercy
6.  Playfulness and Humor
7.  Zest/Passion/Enthusiasm

Once you identify what truly matters to you, look at how you express these strengths and virtues in your daily life. Prioritize your values, distinguishing the top three to five that are most important to you today

The psychologist C. D. Ryff highlighted the distinction between eudaimonia wellbeing, which she identified as psychological well-being and pleasure. Building on Aristotelian ideals of belonging and benefiting others, flourishing, thriving and exercising excellence, she conceptualized eudaimonia as a six-factor structure :

1. Autonomy

2. Personal growth

3. Self-acceptance

4. Purpose in life

5. Environmental mastery

6. Positive relations with others.

Three paths to happy lives

Three paths to happy lives.

The core thesis in Authentic Happiness  by Martin E. P. Seligman 2002 is that there are three very different routes to happiness. First the Pleasant Life, consisting in having as many pleasures as possible and having the skills to amplify the pleasures. This is, of course, the only true kind of happiness on the Hollywood view. Second, the Good Life, which consists in knowing what your signature strengths are, and then recrafting your work, love, friendship, leisure and parenting to use those strengths to have more flow in life. Third, the Meaningful Life, which consists of using your signature strengths in the service of something that you believe is larger than you are.