When I read Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman I was very taken by the notion of identifying your strengths and building on them (as opposed to the more traditional New Year’s Resolution method of picking out your greatest weaknesses and hopelessly wrestling with them!). At the time, somehow, I missed his reference to “virtues”. Then when I read The Happiness Hypothesis recently, Jonathon Haidt’s description of virtues and his reinforcement of the idea of a link between ancient virtues and the findings of positive psychology sent me back to read Seligman’s book again. And there it is, clearly, in black and white – he lists what he says are the SIX main virtues (dropping seven of Franklin’s?) and the 24 “strengths” which lead to the development of those virtues.
Here are his SIX virtues –
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Humanity
- Justice
- Temperance
- Transcendence
Quite different from Franklin’s, at least, at first sight.
Let me summarise his “signature strengths” for you. These lead up to the virtues.
Wisdom
- Curiosity
- Love of learning
- Judgement
- Ingenuity
- Emotional intelligence
- Perspective
Courage
- Valor
- Perseverance
- Integrity
Humanity
- Kindness
- Loving
Justice
- Citizenship
- Fairness
- Leadership
Temperance
- Self-control
- Prudence
- Humility
Transcendence
- Appreciation of beauty and excellence
- Gratitude
- Hope
- Spirituality
- Forgiveness
- Humor
- Zest
Now, I’m sure you’ll see when we come down to the level of what Seligman calls strengths there is considerably more overlap with Franklin’s virtues. However, there are significant differences.
If you’d like to read more about Seligman’s Signature Strengths and Virtues I suggest you go have a look at his website (it’s free) and read the book Authentic Happiness.
Heroes Not Zombies 
Thanks for the read tip. Now i’m intrigued. I’ll have to hit the bookstore this afternoon and hunt it down.
I’m rather fond of a little magnet i keep on the fridge reminding me to keep my happy pursuits relatively simple. It reads:
do not worry; eat three square meals a day; excercise; go slow and easy. maybe there are other things your special case requires to make you happy; but these, i reckon, will give you a good lift.
(abe lincoln)
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A German prof. Nossrat Peseschkian, the founder of Positive Psychotherapy (www.positum.org) has developed a concept of Actual capabilities in late 60-es. Today, Positive Psychotherapy is worldwide recognized as resource-oriented and trans-cultural form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is accepted by professional associations such as World Council of Psychotherapy (www.wprldpsyche.org) and the European Association for Psychotherapy (www.europsyche.org).
Are you aware that in late 60s German professor Nossrat Peseschkian, the founder of Positive Psychotherapy has developed a concept of Actual capabilities and transcultural approach. Today, Positive Psuchotherapy is worldwide recognized as resource-oriented and trans-cultural form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is accepted by professional associations such as World Council of Psychotherapy (www.wprldpsyche.org) and the European Association for Psychotherapy (www.europsyche.org).
I wander why prof. Celigman has never made any reference to previous researches of prof. Peseschkian.
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