Virtues, Vices and Values - The Master List - 2020

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The Master List

of
Virtues & Vices
Compiled for the Community

by Lion Goodman
Version 3.5 2020
© Copyright 2009 – 2020 by Lion Goodman, PCC. All rights reserved, except
where previous publications or works are copyrighted by others, or were in the public domain.
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Virtues and Vices

People say that there are many sins and virtues, but I think there is only
one sin – to let one breath go without being conscious of it.
-- Hazrat Sayyed Abu Hashim Madani, Sufi Master
A virtue is usually defined as “excellence in morals, good habits, a character trait

or quality valued as being good.” Aristotle defined it as “a habit or quality that
allows a thing to succeed at its purpose.” The virtues of a knife, for example, are
sharpness and strength. The virtues of a racehorse are speed and stamina. The
modern word is derived from the Latin virtutem, meaning “moral strength,
manliness, valor, excellence, & worth.”
“The Greeks told us that if we want to live with happiness, we need to live with areté. The
word directly translates as “virtue” or “excellence” but has a deeper meaning—something
closer to “expressing the highest version of yourself moment to moment to moment.”
Modern-day scientists tell us the same thing. Their word for areté? Willpower. Did you know
willpower outpredicts IQ for academic performance by a factor of TWO? Yep. And it’s pretty
much the best predictor of everything good we want to achieve in our lives. So, let’s
commit to self-mastery/willpower/areté, shall we?
Consistently create a gap between your moment-to-moment potential and how you’re
showing up and be prepared to feel less than awesome. Or… close the gap between what
you’re capable of being and who you’re actually being by living with areté, by living your
virtues. It feels (really!) good when you do so.” ~ Brian Johnson
In order for us to identify the virtues of human beings, we would need to know
what our purpose is. Aristotle wrestled with this question in Nicomachean Ethics,
following up on Plato’s work, asking the question, “How should men live?” It was a
practical question rather than a theoretical one. Ethics is considered one of the
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most important historical philosophical works, and it’s had a significant influence on
Western philosophy, law and theology.
Aristotle concluded that the purpose of human beings is eudaimonia – a state

variously translated as well-being, happiness, blessedness, or human flourishing.
Eudaimonia is not a subjective state, such as the pleasure one gets from hedonistic
indulgence, but rather an objective state. It characterizes the well-lived life, not
only personally, but within one’s family, community, and society. It is the proper
goal of human life, and it produces a good society.
Now that we know the purpose of our human life, we can determine our virtues –
the qualities which allow us to fulfill our purpose. And once we discover our virtues,
we can practice them, because virtues exist as latent potential in us, and must be
practiced and cultivated in order to achieve right living. This is similar to a horse
that has the biological potential to become a racehorse, but must be exercised and
trained to express those qualities and turned into a winner of the Kentucky Derby.
To summarize, when we practice our virtues, and hone them, we produce happiness
in ourselves, in those close to us, and in society as a whole. Virtues are practiced
through our behavior, and our choices. At every moment, we can choose how we
respond to a situation. Do I get mad and seek revenge? Or do I forgive the person
and seek understanding? Do I indulge in eating this entire cake? Or do I use
discernment and temperance to have only a small slice, knowing that there are
consequences for every choice I make?
Aristotle believed that we need to exercise reason – one of his most important
virtues, to determine what is good for us individually and collectively, and doing so
is the soul's most proper and nourishing activity.
We say that the soul is made of virtues. Your unique soul is a composition of your
signature virtues – the qualities that describe you when you are at your very best.
If you want to live an extraordinary life, bring yourself more and more into
alignment with the virtues that are important and meaningful to you. Make choices
according to the virtues you want to express, and express your virtuous nature in
everything you do.
The opposite of a virtue is a vice. Vices are qualities that create unhappiness,
imbalance, pain or suffering in oneself, one’s family, and society. As humans, we
also have vices as latent potential in us. Like virtues, they can be honed and
practiced through our choices and behavior, but those choices and behaviors would
create the opposite of eudemonia.
We can examine any significant behavior and ask, “Is this action creating more
happiness, joy and health? Or is it creating more unhappiness, pain and suffering?”
This is the exercise of reason over our natural tendencies so we make better
choices. We have free will so we can make our own choices in every situation and
condition. If we don’t choose consciously, we will choose unconsciously. That is, our
past patterns will determine a future that looks just like our past.
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Our unconscious tendency is to go with the crowd (so we can belong), or do what’s
easiest, or most convenient, or whatever gives us a sense of safety and security.
Responsibility (hard) or irresponsibility (easy)? Generosity (tough) or selfishness
(natural)? Perseverance (difficult) or quitting (easy!)? Learning requires study, but
ignorance requires no effort at all.
This list of virtues has been compiled from many sources. If you notice omissions
or errors, please write to me at [email protected]. You are welcome to share
this document freely as long as you keep it intact.
More than 650 Virtues are listed below in the Master List of Virtues. Three lists
follow: The Master List of Vices (more than 350), The Master List of Values (©
Values Technology, Inc.), and The VIA Classification of Character Strengths (©
VIACharacter.org). Also included are numerous resources for further study. Enjoy!
Lion Goodman
How to Use This List
Life presents us, at every moment, an opportunity to practice our virtues: How do I
choose to act? How do I respond to what presents itself to me? Here are
suggestions for practicing your virtues more consciously, and honing them as skills,
as habits, and ultimately as your lifestyle:
§ Circle the virtues you want to practice during the coming year, and post them
visibly so you can be reminded of them every day.
§ Create a set of “Virtues Cards” and pick one each day to practice.
§ Review the list of vices, recognize which ones you have been practicing in
your life, and practice the opposite virtue for one full week.
§ Look up in a dictionary any words that are unfamiliar, or which you can’t
define, including its derivation, usage, and examples.
§ Meditate on one virtue each day, as Ben Franklin did with his list.
I wish you well on your journey to a more virtuous life, creating more
eudaimonia.
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The Master List of Virtues

A audacity chastity
ability austerity cheerfulness
abundance authenticity chivalry
acceptance authority choice
accountability autonomy citizenship
accuracy awareness civic-mindedness
achievement awe civility
acknowledgement clarity
acting on convictions B class
activism balance cleanliness
adaptability beauty coincidence
adoration being true to oneself collaboration
adventurous belief comfort
advice (generous with) belonging commitment
affection benevolence common sense
agility benignity communication
aging gracefully bliss communion
alertness boldness community
allowing bravery companionship
altruism brilliance compassion
amazement competence
ambition (philotimia) C completeness
anger at injustice calm composure
anticipation candor comprehension
apology capability compromise
appeasement capacity to love concentration
appreciation capacity to be loved confession
appreciation of beauty care confidence
appreciation of carefulness congruence
excellence caring connection
approbation caution conscience
appropriate knowledge celebration consciousness
appropriate conduct celibacy consecration
approval centered conservation
art certainty conservatism
assertiveness chance consideration
assumptions change consistency
atonement chaos contemplation
attention character contentment
attentiveness charity continuity
attitude charm contribution
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control dreams F
conviction drive failure (allowing for)
cooperation dutifulness (pietas) fairness
cooperation faith
correctness E faithfulness
courage eagerness family
courteousness earnestness farsightedness
courtesy ecstasy fearlessness
creativity education feeling
credibility effectiveness fidelity
critical thinking efficiency finesse
culture endurance finishing what’s
curiosity effort (doing one’s started
best) flexibility
D elegance flow
daring elevation focus
death (acceptance of) eloquence forbearance
decency emotion foresight
decisiveness empathy forethought
dedication empowerment forgiveness
defiance (against emptiness fortitude
injustice) encouragement fortune
delayed gratification endurance frankness
deliberation energy freedom
delight enjoyment friendliness (philia)
dependability enlightenment friendship
desire enthusiasm frugality
destiny epiphany fulfillment
detachment equality fun
determination equanimity
devotion to virtues esteem G
devotion to others eternal gallantry
dignity ethical generosity
diligence etiquette genius
diplomacy excellence gentleness (praotes)
discernment excitement genuineness
discipline expansion giving
dis-creation (of what experience glory
is no longer needed) expertise goals
discretion exploration godliness
discovery expressiveness good speech
disillusion extravagance goodness
dissolution grace
diversity graciousness
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grandeur inclusion leisure
gratefulness incorruptibility letting go
gratitude independence liberalism
gravitas individuality liberality
gravity industriousness (eleutheriotes)
grit influence liberty
growth ingenuity light-heartedness
growth mindset initiative listening
guidance inner exploration logic
inner peace love
H innocence love of learning
happiness innovation loving-kindness
hard-working insight lovingness
harmlessness inspiration loyalty
harmony instinct luck
harmonious integrity luxuriating
healing intelligence
health intensity M
heaven on earth interdependence magic
helpfulness interest in the world magnanimity
helping others intimacy magnificence
holiness intuition (megaloprepeia)
honesty inventiveness majesty
honor investigation making a difference
hope invincibility management
hopefulness irony manners
heroism mastery
hospitality J maturity
humanity (humanitas) joy meaning
humbleness joyfulness meekness
humility judgment (good) mellowness
humor judiciousness merit
justice mercy
I methodical
idealism K mildness
ideals kind speech mindfulness
identities (ease of kindness minessence (organiz-
shifting) kinship ing into higher order
illumination knowledge systems)
imagination miraculousness
impartiality L mistakes (allowing for)
impeccability laughter moderation
imperfection (allowing leadership modesty
for) learning morality
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motherhood perfection propriety
motivation perseverance prosperity
persistence protection
N personality protest
niceness perspective providence
nobility persuasion prudence
non-assumption philanthropy punctuality
non-covetousness piety purification
non-duality pity purity
non-separateness planning purity of heart
non-violence play purpose
not taking personally playfulness purposeful work
nurturance pleasure purposefulness
nurturing pluralism
nostalgia poise Q
politeness quality
O positive bias quality evaluation
obedience (to higher potency quality improvement
principles) potential quest
objectivity power (right use of) question asking
obligations practice quiet
(fulfillment of) practicality
open-heartedness pragmatism R
open-mindedness praise radiance
openness prayer rapture
optimism prayerfulness rationality
order precision realism
orderliness preparedness reality
organization presence realization
originality preservation reason
overcoming adversity principles rebirth
(and impediments) privacy receptivity
privilege reciprocity
P potency recognition
pacifism privacy reconciliation
paradise proactivity rectitude
passion probity redemption
patience problem-solving refinement
patriotism productivity reflection
peace professionalism relationship
peacefulness profit relaxation
penitence progress release
pensiveness promises releasing
perceptiveness promptness reliability
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religiosity sanity social intelligence
remembering satiety social responsibility
remembrance satisfaction solidarity
remorse secrecy (proper use) solitude
renunciation security soul evolution
repentance seeing soulfulness
reputation self-awareness speed
research self-centeredness spirit
resilience self-confidence spiritual insight
resisting temptations self-control spirituality
resolution self-discipline spontaneity
resourcefulness self-esteem sportsmanship
respect self-examination stability
respectability self-expression steadfastness
respectfulness self-improvement stick-to-it-iveness
responsibility self-possession stoicism
responsiveness self-regulation straightforwardness
restraint self-reliance strength
reverence self-respect stress (“good”)
right action self-restraint striving
right concentration self-righteousness study
right effort self-sacrifice style
right intention self-trust success
right livelihood selflessness succor
right mindfulness sense of beauty suffering (with
right speech sense of wonder understanding)
right view (Buddha’s sensibility support of others
Noble Eightfold Path) sensitivity surrender
right use of power sensory pleasure suspension of
right use of will sensuality judgment
righteousness sentimentality suspension of belief
rights (respect for) serendipity suspension of disbelief
risk taking serenity sweet-tempered
rituals seriousness sympathy
romance service synergy
roots sharing systemization
ruggedness shyness
silence T
S simplicity tact (epidexia)
sacredness sincerity tactfulness
sacrifice skepticism talent
sadness skill taste
safety smartness teaching others
salvation sobriety team-spirit
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teamwork truthfulness (aletheia) welcoming
temperance well-being
tenacity U whimsical
tenderness unconditional love wholeheartedness
thankfulness understanding wholeness
thoroughness unity wholesomeness
thoughtfulness universality (salubritas)
thrift unselfishness will (proper use of)
thriving willingness
time V wisdom
timeliness valor wittiness (eutrapelia)
timelessness value wonder
tithing values work
tolerance variety workmanship
toughness verbal acuity worship
tradition (respect for versatility worth
& maintenance of) victory
training vigor Y
tranquility virility yes!-ing
transcendence virtue youthfulness
transcendental wisdom vision
transformation vitality Z
transition volition zealousness
trust vulnerability zest
trustfulness
trustworthiness W
truth (veritas) wealth
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The Master List of Vices

Note that any of these vices can, under certain circumstances, be neutral or
even positive virtues. These are words used to describe behaviors and
actions which tend NOT produce harmony, goodness, happiness, or
eudaimonia, but rather their opposites.
Any virtue applied to excess can turn into a vice. (Too much medicine is
toxic, for example. Too much love can become co-dependence. To much
peace can become passivity.)
Many of the vices listed below could be used as a virtue if appropriately

applied to specific circumstances, people, timing, or lessons required for
growth and evolution. Many teachers have used what is called “crazy
wisdom” to awaken their students, such as making ridiculous statements,
engaging in outrageous behavior, and being anti-social. Great wisdom is
required to use a vice in a virtuous manner, so vices are best avoided.
Whatever you practice becomes stronger. If you are not actively practicing
your virtues, you are probably practicing one or more vices.
A approval-seeking callousness
absolutism arrogance calumniation
abstemiousness attachment capriciousness
abuse automaticity celebrity
addictions avarice censoriousness
adultery awkwardness chaos
adversity chauvinism
aggression B complacency
agitation baseness complaining
alcoholism bigotry compromise
alienation blame con artist
aloofness blasphemy conceit
ambition boastfulness concupiscence
anarchy boredom condemnation
anger bragging condescension
angst brutality conflict
animosity burn-out conformity
annoyance confusion
anxiety C conniving
apathy calculation contempt
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contradiction disrespect fashion
contrariness disruption fatalism
controlling dissatisfaction faults
control over others dissembling fear
corruption distortion feigning
cowardice dogmatism fight
criticism dominance fixations
cruelty domination fixed mindset
cunning doubt folly
cursing drudgery forgetfulness
cynicism dysfunctionality forgetting
frailty
D E fundamentalism
death eagerness for power furtiveness
debasement eccentricity futility
deceit effrontery
deception egoism G
definition egotism gambling
deification ejection from group garrulity
delusion elitism gaudiness
demeaning embarrassment glamour
denial emptiness gloominess
denigrating enmity gluttony
dependency enviousness gossip
depravity envy greed
depression escapism grief
derision evil grudges (holding on to)
desecration exaggeration grumpiness
desire for fame excess guilt
desolation excessiveness
despair exclusion H
destitution exclusivism hard-heartedness
detachment expectations harassment
deviance exploitation hate
diminishment extravagance hatred
disappointment extremism haughtiness
disapproval hedonism
discord F hell
disempowerment failure heresy
disgracing faithlessness hiding
dishonoring falseness hiding the truth
disloyalty fame (seeking after) high-handedness
disproportionate fanaticism hoarding
disregard fantasy hostility
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humiliation irony misery
hurt irascibility miserliness
hyperbole irrationality misrepresentation
hypocrisy irresponsibility mistakes
hysteria irritation money (focus on)
isolation moodiness
I murder
ignorance J
illusion Jealousy N
imbalance jokester naiveté
imitation judgment of others narcissism
immediate justification narrow-mindedness
gratification nastiness
immodesty K neediness
impatience know-it-all negativity
imperfection killing neurosis
imperiousness killjoy nihilism
impertinence
imposture L O
impudence laziness obedience (without
impugning lecherousness question)
inattentiveness lethargy objectification
inconsistency licentiousness obsession
indecency lies obstinacy
indecision loneliness opportunism
indifference loss oppression
indigence lust ostentatiousness
individualism luxury ostracizing
ingratitude lying over-analyzing
inhibitions over-consumption
injustice M over-identification
insanity machismo over-indulgence
insatiability madness overly dutiful
insecurity making wrong overly responsible
insidiousness maliciousness
insolence malignancy P
insult manipulation pacifism (in the
interrupted enthu- masochism face of the require-
siasm materialism ment to act)
intemperance meanness pain
interruption mediocrity panic
intolerance meekness passion
intimidation melancholy passive-aggressive
intransigence mercilessness passivity
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patronizing reification sloth
pensiveness rejection snobbery
penury remorse somberness
persuasion resentment sorrow
perversion resignation spendthriftness
pessimism revenge spite
pestering rudeness spoiling
pettiness righteousness stagnation
pomposity ridicule stinginess
poverty righteousness stress
power over another rigidity stubbornness
prejudice risk-aversion stupidity
presumption romantic fantasy suffering
pretense rudeness sullenness
pretentiousness rumor spreading superficiality
pride ruthlessness superiority
privilege suspicion
problems S
procrastination sacrifice T
prodigality sadism taboos
profit-as-sole-value sadness temper tantrums
profligacy sarcasm temptation
projection on scandal mongering terror
others secrecy theft
promiscuity seduction thing-ification
promises un-kept self-centeredness threat
punishment self-denial timidity
self-destructive- torment
Q ness torture
quarrelsomeness self-doubt tragedy
quitting self-hatred treason
self-importance trickster
R selfishness tyranny
racism self-pity
rage self-righteousness U
rancor sensationalism ugliness
rape separateness unkindness
rapaciousness separation unreason
rapacity sexual lust unruliness
rashness shame untrustworthiness
rationalizing shamelessness unyielding
recklessness shyness
refusal sin V
regret skepticism vanity
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venality vulnerability worry
verbosity wrath
verminification W
vices wastrelness Z
vindictiveness weakness zealotry
violence withdrawal
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The Master List of Values

The concept of values is closely linked to virtues, and they are often used
interchangeably. We assert that Virtues are characteristics and qualities of the Soul, the
unique spiritual essence of who you are. Values are more akin to preferences. They are
prioritized wants and desires – goals we want to achieve, an object we want to possess,
or a state we want to be in. We value whatever we consider to be good – because when
we have it, achieve it, receive it, or give it to another, we feel good, better, or best.
Values can be contrasted, compared, and measured by asking this question: Which do
you want (value) more: X or Y? In the human world, we can divide aspects of
humanness into the triad of Be, Do, and Have. Values often represent the having
function.
When we want to obtain or achieve something, we behave in specific ways that enable
us to get it. The actions we take represent the doing function. There are many ways of
taking action that can result in our getting what we want. We could, for example, use our
Virtues to guide our behavior, or we could use our Vices. Two people may place the
same value on having a lot of money, yet they could go about obtaining it in completely
different ways. One could embody her virtues (such as persistence, wisdom,
assertiveness, and care), and thus achieve her goals of having what she values – a lot of
money. The other person could achieve the same aim by embodying her vices (such as
greed, theft, and manipulation), and achieve having the same amount of money.
Part of the problem with these distinctions is the fact that we talk about qualities in many
different ways. It’s built into our language. As Aristotle pointed out, virtues are the
qualities that bring goodness and happiness to oneself, others, and our community.
Thus, they are valued. However, not everything we value is also a virtue. Virtues are
qualities you can embody and act from, as a human person in the world. We can value
certain aspects or qualities of the world, or of our society, such as diversity, equality or
justice, but it is more difficult to cultivate them as virtues. These values require the
cooperation of others, or the society as a whole, to be achieved. You can act personally,
of course. If you wanted to cultivate equality in your life, you can see and treat other
people as equal. However those people may not return the favor. Society as a whole
may not express that value. You can only do what you can do in your own life by making
those values your own personal expressions – which we would then identify as virtues.
Here’s another example: We may value collaboration, and we can act collaboratively in
order to create it on our team. However, real collaboration requires the cooperation of
others, who are playing the same game. Otherwise, we don’t get what we want. Many of
the difficulties in life come because we have very different values, priorities, wants and
desires than other people do, and different people go about obtaining them in different
ways – ways that may conflict with our own values or virtues.
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In the political realm, George Lakoff, professor of Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences,
has identified the very different core values of Republicans and Democrats in the United
States. He explains why we have such difficulty communicating across this values-
chasm. Read his book, “Don’t Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the
Debate.” Or visit http://georgelakoff.com to learn more.
Below is a chart to clarify the difference between Virtues (the Be function), Behaviors
(the Do function), and Values (the Have function). And because any virtue can become
a vice when done to an extreme, I have also identified the shadow function or vice that
could come from over-reaching or becoming extreme in each virtue.
Virtue Behavior Value Shadow or

Vice
Concept, Idea, or Examples of actions The desired thing or state; The over-reach function of
philosophical stance one required to achieve or what we want to receive, extreme doing, associated
comes from, which guides receive the thing wanted or achieve, have, or give with going too far while
our behavior and the good desired (Doing (Having function) trying to achieve the
decisions; what we stand- function) desired state
for (Being Function)
Love Acting loving to Feeling loved by Codependence;
others with others; giving love addiction to love or
kindness, care, to others sex
compassion
Peace Meditation; Feeling at peace; Passivity; judgment
contemplation; having peaceful of self or others,
accepting others; relations with others
non-judgmental
openness
Knowledge Studying; learning; Having knowledge; Righteousness;
practice; expanding knowing how to do know-it-all; closed
perspectives things, having mindedness
wisdom and
understanding
Health Getting enough Being healthy and Addiction to
sleep; regular free in your body; exercise;
exercise; eating well staying well; righteousness; and
optimizing self- judgment of others
healing
Persistence Continuing in the Achieving one’s Not receiving
face of difficulty, goals; not giving up feedback; going
blocks or resistance down the wrong
path
Appreciation Appreciating others, Being appreciated; Not changing
one’s own efforts feeling of gratitude anything that needs
and circumstances, for what is to be changed
and the Universe
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List of Values
The list below is copyrighted by Values Technology, Inc. VTI's “ValuesID” software helps make
values explicit. Using the well-researched and independently validated values measurement
instrument based on Hall-Tonna Values Theory, organizations can understand the collective
values of employees, leadership and the organization. The unique values framework that Brian
Hall developed (starting in the early 1970s) anchors the company. This framework was validated
in the mid 1980s while Dr. Brian Hall was at Santa Clara University. Visit www.valuestech.com
for more information.
Abundance Loyalty/Fidelity
Administration/Control Macroeconomics
Authority/Honesty Majesty
Collaboration Management
Communication/Info Membership/Institution
Community/Personalist Minessence (systematization and
Community/Supportive organization)
Competition Mission/Objectives
Complementarity Mutual Accountability
Control/Order/Discipline Mutual Obedience
Convivial Technology Obedience/Duty
Corporation/New Order Ownership
Courtesy/Hospitality Patriotism/Esteem
Decision/Initiation Pioneerism/Innovation
Design/Pattern/Order Prestige/Image
Detachment/Solitude Property/Control
Dexterity/Co-ordination Prophet/Vision
Duty/Obligation Quality/Evaluation
Economics/Profit Radiance
Economics/Success Reason
Education/Certification Relaxation
Education/Knowledge Research
Efficiency/Planning Rights/Respect
Endurance/Patience Risk
Equilibrium Ritual/Communication
Equity/Rights Rule/Accountability
Expressiveness/Joy Search/Meaning/Hope
Friendship/Belonging Self Assertion
Generosity/Compassion Sensory Pleasure
Global Justice Sharing/Listening/Trust
Grace Simplicity/Play
Growth/Expansion Social Affirmation
Health/Healing Support/Peer
Hierarchy/Order Synergy
Human Rights Technology/Science
Individualism Territory/Security
Interdependence Tradition
Justice/Social Order Transcendence/Solitude
Law/Guide Unity/Diversity
Law/Rule Unity/Uniformity
Leisure Wonder/Curiosity
Limitation/Acceptance Workmanship/Art/Craft
Limitation/Celebration
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Additional Values
(Not easily classified as Virtues)
Accomplishment Leadership
Achievement Learning
Adventure Liberty
Affection Logic
Ambition Longevity
Anticipation Making a Difference
Belonging Meaning
Challenge Money
Change Opportunity
Comfort Order
Community Originality
Connection Outcomes
Consciousness Passion
Improvement Peace
Delight Personal Growth
Desire Pleasure
Diversity Progress
Duty Prosperity
Elation Quality
Equality Quiet
Excitement Recognition
Experience Safety
Family Security
Guidance Style
Hard Work Teamwork
Influence Tradition
Innovation Variety
Investing
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Core Values by James Clear

https://jamesclear.com/core-values
Below is a list of core values commonly used by leadership institutes and programs. This list is
not exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of some common core values (also called personal
values). My recommendation is to select less than five core values to focus on—if everything is
a core value, then nothing is really a priority. Note: many of the personal values listed above
came from a list I received while working with The LeaderShape Institute.
• Authenticity • Fame • Peace

• Achievement • Friendships • Pleasure
• Adventure • Fun • Poise
• Authority • Growth • Popularity
• Autonomy • Happiness • Recognition
• Balance • Honesty • Religion
• Beauty • Humor • Reputation
• Boldness • Influence • Respect
• Compassion • Inner Harmony • Responsibility
• Challenge • Justice • Security
• Citizenship • Kindness • Self-Respect
• Community • Knowledge • Service
• Competency • Leadership • Spirituality
• Contribution • Learning • Stability
• Creativity • Love • Success
• Curiosity • Loyalty • Status
• Determination • Meaningful Work • Trustworthiness
• Fairness • Openness • Wealth
• Faith • Optimism
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The VIA Classification of Character Strengths
The VIA Institute uses the words character strengths to describe what we have been
calling Virtues. We appreciate their classification, so we include it here for reference.
The following information is from their website: www.viacharacter.org
VIA Institute is led by Christopher Peterson, Ph.D., and Martin Seligman, Ph.D., and funded by the
Mayerson Foundation. A team of 55 social scientists studied world religions, philosophies and
psychology looking for agreed-upon virtues. Dr. Peterson was the lead scientist of the development of
the VIA Classification, which is described in detail in Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook
and Classification (Oxford University Press and American Psychological Association, 2004).
Examples of classic works studied included:
• Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judeo-Christian traditions.

• Virtue catalogs, including those by Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Lao-Tze, Boy Scouts of
America, William Bennett, Benjamin Franklin, King Charlemagne, and Merlin.
• The work of psychologists including Thorndike, Erikson, Maslow, Greenberger, Jahoda, Ryff,
Thurstone, Cawley, Gardner.
Virtues are core characteristics valued by moral philosophers and religious thinkers. The VIA work-
groups found six virtues that emerged consistently from historical surveys, and endorsed across time
and cultures. These virtues are wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and
transcendence. Cross-cultural research has found that these are universal and viewed as being
grounded in biology through evolutionary process and selected for aspects of excellence as a means of
solving important tasks necessary for survival of the species.
VIA’s work is about the core or essence of who we are as humans – our character strengths. These
positive, core characteristics of our personality are different from strengths of talent (innate abilities),
strengths of interest (what we like to do), strengths of skill (proficiencies we develop), and strengths of
resources (external supports). While each of these areas of strength are important, it is character
strengths that provide a pathway for developing each of these areas. For example, we use perseverance
and self-regulation to pursue a talent in music or sport, hope in developing a new skill for work,
curiosity as we explore our interest areas, and gratitude and kindness when we are tapping our
resources. Also, it is our strengths of character that we have to turn to when we lose resources, talents,
and skills, or when we lose interest in something.
22
The VIA Classification of Character Strengths

https://www.viacharacter.org/
1. Wisdom and Knowledge – Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of
knowledge
o Consciousness: The state or quality of awareness; having a sense of selfhood, and the executive
control system of the mind; the perception of what passes in one’s own mind; Originally derived
from Latin writings of the phrase conscius sibi, which translates literally as “knowing with oneself”,
or in other words “sharing knowledge with oneself about something.”
o Creativity [originality, ingenuity]: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do
things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it
o Curiosity [interest, novelty-seeking, openness to experience]: Taking an interest in ongoing
experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering
o Judgment & Open-Mindedness [critical thinking]: Thinking things through and examining them
from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one's mind in light of evidence;
weighing all evidence fairly
o Love of Learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one's own or
formally; obviously related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency
to add systematically to what one knows
o Perspective [wisdom]: Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the
world that make sense to oneself and to other people
2. Courage – Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in
the face of opposition, external or internal
o Assertiveness: A confident affirmation or declaration of a statement without need of proof;

Affirming your right to a point of view without either aggressively threatening the rights of another
(assuming a position of dominance) or submissively permitting another to ignore or deny your point
of view.
o Authenticity: The degree to which one is true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character, despite
external pressures.
o Bravery [valor]: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is
right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery
but is not limited to it
o Perseverance [persistence, industriousness]: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of
action in spite of obstacles; “getting it out the door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks
o Honesty [authenticity, integrity]: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine
way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one's feelings and
actions
o Zest [vitality, enthusiasm, vigor, energy]: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing
things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated
23
3. Humanity – Interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others
o Acceptance: Assenting to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a

negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it, protest, or resist. The Latin root
of the word can be translated to “to find rest in.”
o Compassion: Translates to “with one who suffers” in Latin; an empathetic reaction to the pains and
challenges of others; a desire to go out of one’s way to help.
o Capacity to Love and Be Loved: Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which
sharing and caring are reciprocated; being close to people
o Kindness [generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, “niceness”]: Doing favors and
good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them
o Social Intelligence [emotional intelligence, personal 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
o Sincerity: Speaking and acting truly about one’s own feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and desires. Using
no hurtful deceit; thinking innocently and justly; Speaking truth.
4. Justice - Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life
o Teamwork [citizenship, social responsibility, loyalty]: Working well as a member of a group or

team; being loyal to the group; doing one's share
o Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting
personal feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance.
o Leadership: Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the time
maintain time good relations within the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they
happen.
5. Temperance – Strengths that protect against excess
o Forgiveness & Mercy: Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others;
giving people a second chance; not being vengeful
o Modesty & Humility: Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as
more special than one is
o Patience: The level of endurance one has before negativity. Perseverance in the face of delay or
provocation without acting on negative annoyance/anger.
o Prudence: Being careful about one's choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that
might later be regretted
o Self-Regulation [self-control]: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling
one's appetites and emotions
o Silence: Speaking only when it may benefit oneself or others; avoiding trifling conversation;
observing and learning; cultivating the power of listening and receiving.
o Order: Letting all things have a right place and time.
o Frugality: Avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance; using no more of something than is
necessary.
o Cleanliness: Tolerating no uncleanliness in body, possessions, thoughts or environment.
24
6. Transcendence - Strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide
meaning
o Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence [awe, wonder, elevation]: Noticing and appreciating beauty,
excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics
to science to everyday experience
o Enthusiasm: Harboring an intense enjoyment, interest, or approval for life. Greek root that translates
to “possessed by God’s essence.”
o Gratitude: A feeling or attitude of deep acknowledgement of the blessings and benefits one
o Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express
thanks
o Hope [optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation]: Expecting the best in the future and working
to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about
o Humility: Recognition of self in relation to a god, acceptance of and submission to divine grace.
Latin root humus means “Earth,” humilis “grounded” or “from the Earth.”
o Humor [playfulness]: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light
side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes
o Religiousness & Spirituality [faith, purpose]: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and
meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the
meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort
o Tranquility: A pleasing level of sensory input that involves no cognitive effort other than removing
oneself from an overcrowded mental space; not being disturbed by trifles; a restorative mental state
and respite from “directed attention.”
o Zest [vitality, vigor, energy]: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway
or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated as a human being.
© Copyright 2008 by VIACharacter.org * Modified by Lifebook
25
The List of Virtues from Virtue Science

https://www.virtuescience.com/the-virtues.html
Click on a Virtue for some inspiring quotes about it. Each Virtue page also includes it's
definition, it's etymology/the origin of its meaning and positive suggestions about it.
To consider circumstances, especially those that can not be changed, as

Acceptance satisfactory.
The quality or state of being accountable; especially: an obligation or

Accountability willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions.
Ambition Having a strong desire for success or achievement.
Assertiveness Disposed to or characterized by bold or confident assertion.
The quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to

Beauty the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit. Aesthetic harmony.
Benevolence The disposition to do good.
A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain without showing
Bravery fear.
Caring to give care. A concern for...
Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering. Aid given
Charity to those in need.
Chastity Purity in conduct and intention.
Caution Avoidance of rashness, attention to safety.
Cleanliness Careful to keep clean : fastidious, habitually kept clean.
Commitment The firm carrying out of purpose.
Compassion Sympathetic awareness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
A feeling of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances. Faith in

Confidence oneself.
Consideration Thoughtful and sympathetic regard for the needs of others. Careful thought.
Contentment The quality of feeling satisfied with one's possessions, status, or situation.
26
To associate with another or others for mutual benefit/to achieve a shared
Cooperation goal.
A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing
Courage fear.
Courtesy Polite, respectful or considerate behaviour mindful of other people.
The ability to create. A quality involving the generation of new ideas or

Creativity concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or
concepts.
Curiosity A desire to find out and know things.
Defiance Bold resistance.
Dependability Reliable, worthy of reliance or trust.
Detachment Freedom from atachments.
Determination Firmness of purpose.
Devotion A great love or loyalty, enthusiastic zeal.
Conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of

Diligence care required in a given situation. Persevering determination to perform a task.
The ability to distinguish; judgement; Discrimination; To distinguish between

Discernment things; To perceive differences that exist.
Discretion Being discrete in ones speech, keeping secrets.
Discipline The trait of being well behaved and under control.
Eloquence Powerful and effective language. Fluent, persuasive and articulate speech.
Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and

Empathy motives.
A feeling of excitement. Exuberance: overflowing with eager enjoyment or

Enthusiasm approval.
Excellence The quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree.
Faith Complete confidence in a person, plan or set of beliefs etc.
Faithfulness Steadfast in affection or allegiance; loyal.
Flexibility Adaptable, able to be changed to suit circumstances.
27
Focus Concentrated awareness and effort.
Restraint under provocation; patience: good-natured tolerance of delay or

Forbearance incompetence.
Forgiveness To cease to feel angry or bitter towards a person or about an offense.
Fortitude Strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage.
Friendliness Agreeableness is a tendency to be pleasant and accommodating.
Frugality Prudence in avoiding waste. Being economical with resources.
Generosity Giving or ready to give freely, free from meanness or prejudice.
Gentleness Moderate; mild, quite; not rough or severe.
Grace Elegance and beauty of movement or expression.
Gratitude Being thankful.
Helpfulness The quality of providing useful assistance.
Honesty Truthful; sincere; not lying or cheating.
Not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent. Worthy of being

Honor honored.
Hope The general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled.
Humbleness Modest; not arrogant or boastful.
Humility A disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride.
The ability to perceive, enjoy, or express what is amusing, comical,

Humor incongruous, or absurd.
High mindedness: elevated ideals and conduct; the quality of believing that
Idealism ideals should be pursued.
Moral soundness; Integrity is consistency of values and actions. Unbroken

Integrity completeness with nothing lacking.
Impartiality Fair. An inclination to weigh both views or opinions equally without bias.
Industry Diligent, hardworking.
Innocence Guileless, not guilty.
28
Joyfulness The emotion of great happiness
Justice Fair, impartial, giving a deserved response.
Kindness Friendly, helpful, well meaning.
Part of the hierarchy made up of data, information and knowledge. Data are
Knowledge raw facts. Information is data with context and perspective. Knowledge is
information with guidance for action based upon insight and experience.
An inclination to favor progress and individual freedom the trait of being

Liberality generous in behavior and temperament.
A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person,

Love such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense
of underlying oneness.
Steadfast in allegiance to one's homeland, government, or sovereign. Faithful

Loyalty to a person, ideal, custom, cause, or duty.
The virtue of being great of mind and heart. It encompasses, usually, a refusal
Magnanimity to be petty, a willingness to face danger, and actions for noble purposes.
Majesty Great and impressive dignity.
The feeling of patient, submissive humbleness; a disposition to be patient and

Meekness long suffering.
Clemency: leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or

Mercy agency charged with administering justice.
Moderation The avoidance of extremes in one's actions or opinions.
Modesty Freedom from vanity or conceit. Not inclined to boast.
Obedience Willingness to obey, to be controlled when necessary, to carry out orders.
Openness Ready and willing to talk candidly.Unsecretive.
Neatness and tidiness. A personality trait which involves the organization of

Orderliness things into a state of order and symmetry. The quality of appreciating method
and system.
Patience The ability to endure delay, trouble, pain or hardship.
Peace Freedom from mental agitation; serenity.
Perseverance Being persistent, refusing to stop despite failures, delays and difficulties.
Persistence Never-ceasing, relentless.
29
Piety Humble devotion to a high ideal.
Prudence Wise or careful in conduct. Shrewd or thrifty in planning ahead.
Punctuality The quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time.
Freedom from defilement. Undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material.

Purity Unsullied by sin or moral wrong.
Purposefulness Having a definite goal.
Reliability Can be trusted to do something.
Resoluteness The quality of being firm in purpose.
The ablility to act effectively or imaginatively, especially in regard to difficult

Resourcefulness situations and unusual problems.
Respect Admiration for others. Treating people with due dignity.
Responsibility Having control over and accountability for appropriate events.
Restraint Holding Back.
Reverence Profound awe and respect.
Righteousness Adhering to moral principles. Holiness.
Selflessness The quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
The giving up of one's own benefit, especially giving up one's life, for the good
Self Sacrifice of others.
Service Work done by one person or group that benefits another.
Heightened awareness of oneself and others within the context of social and
Sensitivity personal relationships.
Silence Inner peace. Being silent.
Simplicity Straightforward; not complex or complicated. Unpretentious.
Sincerity Free from pretense or deceit in manner or actions.
Sobriety Serious, solemn and calm. Free from intoxication.
Spontaneity Natural, not planned.
Steadfastness Firm, resolute; determinedly unwavering.
30
Strength Capable of exerting great force.
Tact Consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense.
Moderation and self-restraint, as in behavior or expression. Restraint in the use

Temperance of or abstinence from alcoholic liquors/intoxicants.
Thankfulness Warm friendly feelings of gratitude.
Thrift The characteristic of using a minimum of something. Saving.
Tending to permit, allow, understand, or accept something; tending to

Tolerance withstand or survive.
Toughness Strong and durable; not easily damaged.
Tranquility Serenely quite and peaceful; undisturbed.
Trust Having confidence in others; lacking suspicion.
Trustworthiness Able to be trusted or depended on; reliable.
Truthfulness Accurately depicting what is real.
Understanding Comprehension, assimilation of knowledge. The holistic awareness of facts.
Unity Freedom from division. Oneness.
Vitality Exuberant physical strength or mental vigor, energy.
The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and
Wisdom insight.
Wonder The feeling aroused by something strange and surprising.
Zeal Ardor. A feeling of strong eagerness. Tireless devotion.
31
List of Vices from Virtue Science

Strong passion or emotion of displeasure or antagonism , excited by
real or supposed injury or insult to one ' self or others , or by the
Anger:
intent to do such injury.
Making undue claims in an overbearing manner; that species of pride

which consists in exorbitant claims of rank, dignity, estimation, or
power, or which exalts the worth or importance of the person to an
Arrogance:
undue degree; proud contempt of others; lordliness; haughtiness; self-
assumption; presumption.
exhibiting self-importance, boastful talk.

Bragging:
Lack of courage to face danger; extreme timidity; base fear of danger
Cowardice: or hurt; lack of spirit.
Lack of loyalty; lack of fidelity; violation of allegiance.

Disloyalty:
Lack of Trust and confidence. To suspect; to fear; to be apprehensive.
Doubt: A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction

Envy: with desire for the possessions or qualities of another.
An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs

Greed: or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.
The practice of being unjust or unfair.

Injustice:
The quality of being impatient; want of endurance of pain, suffering,
opposition, or delay; eagerness for change, or for something expected;
Impatience:
restlessness; chafing of spirit; fretfulness; passion.
The quality of being jealous; earnest concern or solicitude; painful

apprehension of rivalship in cases nearly affecting one's happiness;
Jealousy:
painful suspicion of the faithfulness of husband, wife, or lover.
Wild carelessness and disregard for consequences. Insufficient

Recklessness: consideration.
Aversion to work or exertion; laziness; indolence.

Sloth:
The trait of not deserving trust or confidence
Untrustworthiness:
32
Inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance.
Vanity:
The quality or state of being weak; want of strength or firmness; lack
Weakness: of vigor; want of resolution or of moral strength; feebleness.
Wrath: Forceful, often vindictive anger.
_______________________________________________
Liberals and Conservatives Rely on

Different Sets of Moral Foundations
Jesse Graham, Jonathan Haidt, and Brian A. Nosek
University of Virginia
(Abstract)
How and why do moral judgments vary across the political spectrum? To test moral
foundations theory (J. Haidt & J. Graham, 2007; J. Haidt & C. Joseph, 2004), we
developed several ways to measure people’s use of 5 sets of moral intuitions:
• Harm/care
• Fairness/reciprocity
• Ingroup/loyalty
• Authority/respect
• Purity/sanctity
Across 4 studies using multiple methods, liberals consistently showed greater

endorsement and use of the Harm/care and Fairness/reciprocity foundations
compared to the other 3 foundations, whereas conservatives endorsed and used the 5
foundations more equally. These findings help to illuminate the nature and
intractability of moral disagreements in the American “culture war.”
33
SPIRAL DYNAMICS VIRTUES
34
10 simple practices that can help you use

your Virtues to become a better person
Steve McIntosh
1. Print out your signature virtues and put it in a prominent place in your
personal space where you can review it frequently.
2. Memorize your chosen virtues. Repeat them out loud to yourself, tell your
companions about them over a meal, and do your best to bring them to mind
on a regular basis.
3. Create a weekly ritual to chart the progress of your virtue practice. This was
the technique Benjamin Franklin used to practice his famous list of thirteen
virtues. Franklin focused on one virtue a week for thirteen weeks. At the end
of each week he assessed his performance for that week’s virtue and recorded
it in his journal.
4. Write a short essay, or blog post about what your chosen virtues mean to you,
and what your practice commitment is. Explain, for example, which of your
chosen virtues is the strongest and which needs the most work.
5. Write a “Future Me” email (www.futureme.org) to yourself that will prompt
you to check-in on how you’re doing with your virtue practice after some time
has passed.
6. Draw a symbolic picture of each of your chosen virtues. Hand drawing a
symbol for each of your virtues will help you keep them in mind. This process
is proven to work as a mnemonic device.
7. Combine your virtue practice with a mindfulness practice by repeating your
specific list of virtues to yourself just prior to bringing your awareness into the
present moment.
8. Start an affinity group or mutual improvement club, and meet once a month to
discuss the practice of virtues and related topics.
9. Create a “habit loop” by using a cue from something you see daily to remind
you of your commitment to being virtuous. For example, when you look at
yourself in the mirror, use that moment to remember the virtues that define
who you want to be. Just as the mirror reflects your face, affirm your conviction
that your character will reflect your virtues. And when you subsequently act in
a virtuous way, reward yourself with a treat, or draw a small star on
your Portrait of the Good. Celebrate your success!
10. Read more about the power of virtues in one or more of these noteworthy
books: The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, After Virtue by Alasdair
MacIntyre, Natural Goodness by Philippa Foot, The Bourgeois Virtues by Deidre
McCloskey, Ethics and Excellence by Robert Solomon, The Power of Character
Strengths, by Niemiec and McGrath and Developmental Politics, by Steve
McIntosh.
35
Additional Resources
The Book of Positive Qualities: 988 Building Blocks for a Good Life: An
inspiring compendium of admirable traits to nurture self-improvement. Jim Downs
(1996, Warner Books). http://positivequalities.com/. Order his very detailed Positive
Qualities Chart. The book is out of print, so grab a used copy on Amazon. He went even further
than I did in building a master list.
Lifebook: A Powerful System for Achieving a Great Life. Www.MyLifebook.com.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: www.Wikipedia.com; see Virtue and Vice
Wisdom Commons: www.wisdomcommons.org
Mapping Thinking: www.mappingthinking.com
Hall-Tonna Values Map: www.valuestech.com
Humanity Quest Values: www.humanityquest.com
Virtues Project International: www.virtuesproject.com
Virtue Science: www.virtuescience.com (Large collection of resources)
VIA Classification of Character Strengths: www.viacharacter.org
The RIGHT Way by Dr. Mark Schillinger (Initiation and training for young men):
www.YMUW.org
Union of International Associations’ Human Values Online:

http://www.uia.be/sites/uia.be/db/db/x.php?dbcode=va&go=b&b=subject&tsub=
8
Reflections on Robert Moore’s Work and Aristotelian-Thomistic

Philosophy by Thomas J. Farrell ([email protected])
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Robert-Moore-s-Theory-Abou-by-Thomas-
Farrell-110718-802.html
Do the Character Exercise from Steve McIntosh, author of Developmental

Politics. Become a Better Person Through this Brief Exercise in Character
Development—Create Your Personal Portrait of the Good:
https://www.culturalevolution.org/character-development-exercise/
36
How To Be Happy:
Aristotle's 11 Guidelines for a Good Life
http://bigthink.com/scotty-hendricks/aristotles-11-guidelines-for-living-a-good-life
SCOTTY HENDRICKS
Plato, left, and Aristotle, right, as depicted by Raphael.
While most of us ask “What should I do?” when we think about ethics, many
philosophers have approached it by asking, “What kind of person should I be?”
These thinkers often turn to virtue ethics for answers.
Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers of all time, developed a

comprehensive system of virtue ethics that we can learn from even today.
Why be virtuous?
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle proposed that humans are social, rational
animals that seek to “live well.” To that end, he proposed a system of ethics
designed to help us reach eudaimonia, a world that means living well or
flourishing.
Eudaimonia is reached by living virtuously and building up your character traits

until you don’t even have to think about your choices before making the right
one.
37
Such a person will be happy, but not in the same way as a hedonistic person.
They will strive for self-improvement and will live their lives to the fullest. They
will be the kind of person that others want to be like. Above all else, they will
flourish.
What are virtues?
Aristotle sees virtues as character traits and tendencies to act in a particular

way. We gain them through practice and by copying 'moral exemplars' until we
manage to internalize the virtue. We become temperate by practicing
temperance, courageous by practicing courage, and so on. Eventually, the virtue
becomes a habit.
He further explains that each virtue is the “golden mean” between a vice of
excess and deficiency. Taking the example of temperance, if we have the vice of
deficiency we will be intemperate but if we the vice of excess we will never drink
at all. Aristotle sees both traits as vicious. The virtuous person will know how
much they can drink without having too much or teetotaling.
What are Aristotle's virtues?
The virtues he lists in his Nicomachean Ethics are:

• Courage: The midpoint between cowardice and recklessness. The
courageous person is aware of the danger but goes in any way.
• Temperance: The virtue between overindulgence and insensitivity.
Aristotle would view the person who never drinks just as harshly as the
one who drinks too much.
• Liberality: The virtue of charity, this is the golden mean between
miserliness and giving more than you can afford.
• Magnificence: The virtue of living extravagantly. It rests between
stinginess and vulgarity. Aristotle sees no reason to be ascetic but also
warns against being flashy.
• Magnanimity: The virtue relating to pride, it is the midpoint between not
giving yourself enough credit and having delusions of grandeur. It is a
given that you also have to act on this sense of self-worth and strive for
greatness.
• Patience: This is the virtue that controls your temper. The patient person
must neither get too angry nor fail to get angry when they should.
38
• Truthfulness: The virtue of honesty. Aristotle places it between the vices
of habitual lying and being tactless or boastful.
• Wittiness: At the midpoint between buffoonery and boorishness, this is
the virtue of a good sense of humor.
• Friendliness: While being friendly might not seem like a moral virtue,
Aristotle claims friendship is a vital part of a life well lived. This virtue lies
between not being friendly at all and being too friendly towards too many
people.
• Shame: The midpoint between being too shy and being shameless. The
person who has the right amount of shame will understand when they
have committed a social or moral error but won’t be too fearful not to risk
them.
• Justice: The virtue of dealing fairly with others. It lies between selfishness
and selflessness. This virtue can also be applied in different situations and
has a whole chapter dedicated to the various forms it can take.
Each virtue is the midpoint between a vice of deficiency (red) and

excess (blue). The virtuous person will tend to the center.
Aristotle sees ethics as more of an art than a science, and his explanations
purposely lack specifics. We have to learn what the right approach to a situation
is as part of our moral development.
He also doesn't mean to say that we can't break the rules. Just because a
person is honest, for example, doesn’t mean they can’t lie when they need to.
This makes virtue ethics more flexible than deontological systems of ethics but
also harder to use since we have to determine when we can lie, get angry, or be
prideful on our own.
39
This list seems a little strange. Keep in mind that this list was designed for upper
class, Greek men who had a decent education and a fair amount of luck. The
virtue of magnificence, for example, would be impossible for a person of limited
means to practice.
Most of the virtues on the list always have relevance to us though. As

philosopher Martha Nusbaum explains, “What [Aristotle] does, in each case, is
to isolate a sphere of human experience that figures in more or less any human
life, and in which more or less any human being will have to make some choices
rather than others.”
We must all face danger at some point, so we must ask how to be courageous.
We must all deal with other people, so we must ask how to be friendly. We all
get angry, so we must ask how to be patient. The virtues Aristotle lists remain
relevant even if the world they were created for has long vanished.
While the exact nature of what the good life is and how to reach it is subject to
never-ending debate, the ideas of great minds are always relevant. While some
of Aristotle’s views may not be as relevant now as they were 2,000 years ago,
they can still inform our efforts to live better lives. While not every person that
tries to live up to the virtues will succeed in every case, wouldn’t we be better for
trying?
40
Copyright Statement
This work is © Copyright 2009 – 2020 by Lion Goodman. All rights are
reserved, except where previous publications or works were copyrighted by
others, or were in the public domain.
You are free to share, copy and distribute this work as long as it is kept intact,
including all attribution and copyright notices, and as long as you do not charge
money for it. You may not remix the work without prior authorized permission of
the author. Contact Lion Goodman ([email protected]) for permissions.
“He who looks upon opposites as equals, who has risen above
duality, and thus freed himself from both vice and virtue,
is a Yogi. Verily, work done to perfection is Yoga.
Yoga is skill in action.”
~ Bhagavad-Gita (Ch. 2, V. 50)

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Virtues, Vices and Values - The Master List - 2020

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What is Aristotle's view on the purpose of human life?

What is Aristotle's view on the purpose of human life?

What are virtues according to Aristotle?

What are virtues according to Aristotle?

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The Master List

Compiled for the Community

Version 3.5 2020

Virtues and Vices

A virtue is usually defined as “excellence in morals, good habits, a character trait

Aristotle concluded that the purpose of human beings is eudaimonia – a state

How to Use This List

The Master List of Virtues

The Master List of Vices

Many of the vices listed below could be used as a virtue if appropriately

The Master List of Values

Virtue Behavior Value Shadow or

Core Values by James Clear

• Authenticity • Fame • Peace

The VIA Classification of Character Strengths

Examples of classic works studied included:

• Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judeo-Christian traditions.

The VIA Classification of Character Strengths

o Assertiveness: A confident affirmation or declaration of a statement without need of proof;

o Acceptance: Assenting to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a

4. Justice - Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life

o Teamwork [citizenship, social responsibility, loyalty]: Working well as a member of a group or

5. Temperance – Strengths that protect against excess

© Copyright 2008 by VIACharacter.org * Modified by Lifebook

The List of Virtues from Virtue Science

To consider circumstances, especially those that can not be changed, as

The quality or state of being accountable; especially: an obligation or

Ambition Having a strong desire for success or achievement.

Assertiveness Disposed to or characterized by bold or confident assertion.

The quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to

Benevolence The disposition to do good.

Caring to give care. A concern for...

Chastity Purity in conduct and intention.

Caution Avoidance of rashness, attention to safety.

Cleanliness Careful to keep clean : fastidious, habitually kept clean.

Commitment The firm carrying out of purpose.

A feeling of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances. Faith in

Courtesy Polite, respectful or considerate behaviour mindful of other people.

The ability to create. A quality involving the generation of new ideas or

Curiosity A desire to find out and know things.

Defiance Bold resistance.

Dependability Reliable, worthy of reliance or trust.

Detachment Freedom from atachments.

Determination Firmness of purpose.

Devotion A great love or loyalty, enthusiastic zeal.

Conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of

The ability to distinguish; judgement; Discrimination; To distinguish between

Discretion Being discrete in ones speech, keeping secrets.

Discipline The trait of being well behaved and under control.

Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and

A feeling of excitement. Exuberance: overflowing with eager enjoyment or

Excellence The quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree.

Faith Complete confidence in a person, plan or set of beliefs etc.

Faithfulness Steadfast in affection or allegiance; loyal.

Flexibility Adaptable, able to be changed to suit circumstances.