Essential attributes of the strengths

Character strengths, as fundamental elements of positive psychology, possess certain distinctive characteristics that underline their nature and the way in which they manifest themselves in people.

Understanding these attributes is key to appreciating their value and the possibility of their development.

Universality

One of the most striking characteristics of character strengths is their universality.

This means that, although their expression may have cultural nuances, core strengths are recognized and valued in diverse cultures and societies throughout the world and throughout history.

Qualities such as kindness, fairness, curiosity and courage are globally appreciated as positive aspects of human beings.

This universality suggests that they are part of a shared human condition and that their cultivation is relevant to anyone, regardless of their origin or context.

Intrinsic Value and Independence

Each character strength has its own intrinsic value; they are valuable in their own right and not simply as a means to other ends.

Moreover, they function independently, which implies that the development of one strength does not automatically compensate for the lack of another.

For example, a person may have a great capacity to love (strength), but this does not make up for a lack of self-control (another strength).

Similarly, a deep desire to learn does not replace the need to cultivate gratitude or hope.

Each strength requires individual attention and development to contribute to a balanced and robust character profile.

A strong sense of spirituality will not compensate for a lack of good judgment in day-to-day decision making.

Development Potential

Perhaps the most important and hopeful feature of character strengths is that they can all be developed.

No person is limited to the strengths he or she seems to have been born with or those he or she has most prominently manifested in the past.

Through awareness, deliberate practice and conscious effort, any human being has the ability to cultivate and strengthen each of the 24 identified strengths.

This opens a path of continuous personal growth, where you can actively work on those qualities you wish to enhance in order to achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.

The idea that these qualities are malleable and can be learned and improved is a fundamental pillar of the practical application of positive psychology.