Character Strengths and Virtues

by Christopher Peterson and Martin E. P. Seligman
The handbook of character strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers who have undertaken the systematic classification and measurement of widely valued positive traits. They approach good character in terms of separate strengths – authenticity, persistence, kindness, gratitude, hope, humor, and so on – each of which exists in degrees.

“Character Strengths and Virtues is one of the most important initiatives in psychology of the past half century.”

—Howard Gardner, PhD, author of “Multiple Intelligences”

    “Character Strengths and Virtues is a highly original book and destined to become a classic - both in the social sciences and in the humanities. ”

—George E. Vaillant, MD, Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

    “Peterson and Seligman’s Character Strengths and Virtues adds a needed balance to the psychological literature. Topics such as character and virtue have too long been only in the domains of moral philosophy and politics. This work provides a needed psychological foundation for studying some of the attributes that are most important to a world that is foundering on the shoals of wars, terrorism, and atrocities. I recommend the book very highly.”

—Robert J. Sternberg, Ph.D., IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale University; Director, Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies and Expertise (PACE Center), Yale University; Past President, American Psychological Association

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