Some Lists of Virtues

For those students having a hard time picking a virtue to choose as a topic for the First Graded Paper, here are some lists of suggestions.

1. -- Make sure you choose something that is a single character trait.  ("Being reliable" involves many character traits.)

2. - Make sure you choose something that describes a character trait existing in a person

For example:

- The word "Justice" might describe a state of things in society.  "Being fair-minded" might be a better way of describing a "just" person.

- Forgiveness" is not a character trait, but an action.  "Being a forgiving person" better describes a character-trait.

 

Here is a list from Martin Seligman's book, Authentic Happiness.  Seligman lists seven main categories, with many specific virtues listed under each.  The specific virtues are generally better topics ("wisdom" may involve too many character-traits)


Wisdom and knowledge. Specified as: Curiosity and interest in the world, love of learning, judgment, critical thinking, open-mindedness, ingenuity, originality, practical intelligence, street-smarts, social intelligence, personal intelligence, emotional intelligence, perspective.
Courage. Specified as: Valor and bravery, perseverance, industry, diligence, integrity, genuineness, honesty.
Love and Humanity: Specified as: Kindness and generosity, loving and allowing oneself to be loved.
Justice. Specified as: Citizenship, duty, teamwork, loyalty, fairness and equity, leadership (included under "Justice").
Temperance. Specified as: Self-control, prudence, discretion, caution, humility and modesty.
Transcendence and Spirituality. Specified as: Appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, optimism, future-mindedness, spirituality, sense of purpose, faith, religiousness, forgiveness and mercy, playfulness and humor, zest, passion, enthusiasm.

Here is a list from a Christian website http://www.paceofgrace.net/virtues.htm
Acceptance, Appreciation, Assertiveness, Awe, Beauty, Caring, Charity, Cheerfulness, Cleanliness, Commitment, Compassion, Confidence, Consideration, Contentment, Courage, Courtesy, Creativity, Decisiveness, Detachment, Devotion, Dignity, Diligence, Discernment, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Fairness, Faith, Faithfulness, Fidelity, Flexibility, Forbearance, Forgiveness, Fortitude, Friendliness, Generosity, Gentleness, Grace, Gratitude, Helpfulness, Honesty, Honor, Hope, Humanity, Humility, Idealism, Independence, Initiative, Integrity, Joyfulness, Justice, Kindness, Love, Loyalty, Mercy, Mindfulness, Moderation, Modesty, Obedience, Openness, Orderliness, Patience, Peacefulness, Perceptiveness, Perseverance, Purity, Purposefulness, Respect, Responsibility, Reverence, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Self-Discipline, Serenity, Sincerity, Steadfastness, Strength, Tact, Temperance, Thankfulness, Tolerance, Trust, Truthfulness, Understanding, Unity, Uprightness, Wisdom, Zeal

 

Finally, here is a list I made up, including many personality-traits specially admired today, but not very traditional

 responsible, loyal, diligent, disciplined, orderly
    altruistic, caring, thoughtful, polite, courteous, gracious, kind, compassionate, forgiving, empathic, sympathetic,
    understanding, tolerant, non-judgmental, affable, friendly, gentle
    creative, spontaneous, in touch with feelings, natural, genuine, open, sincere, "comfortable in his own skin"
    unique, being oneself, authenticity, proud, self-confident, independent, self-assertive,
    self-aware, unpretentious, down-to-earth
    respectful, obedient, law-abiding, cooperative, modest, humble
    ambitious, energetic, serious, driven, hard-working, tough, inner strength, self-assertive, brave, willing to take risks
    optimistic, looking on the bright side, cheerful, sense of humor
    sensual, enjoys life, loves nature, cares for the planet, capable of great intimacy and deep friendship
    appreciates art and music, savoir faire, self-actualized, devoted to self-fulfillment
    pure, calm, self-possessed, chaste, unmaterialistic, otherworldly
    integrity, intellectual honesty, rational autonomy, willingness to question, truth-seeking
    wise, experienced, thoughtful, intelligent, prudent, cautious, careful, broad knowledge
    balanced, moderate, sober, internal harmony