Summary of Robert E. McGrath & Ryan M. Niemiec's The Power of Character Strengths

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:

#1 There are 24 central character strengths in human beings, and each strength falls under a larger category called a virtue. These character strengths are the positive parts of our personality, and they are valued by others.

#2 The VIA Classification is a system of character strengths that was developed by the researchers Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. It was developed to help people understand what makes us human, and it is based on the research of more than fifty scientists.

#3 Character strengths are the basic elements of our identity. When we express these character strengths through our thoughts and actions, research says we tend to feel happier, more connected, and more productive.

#4 The six character strengths are different from our interests and passions, which engage us in topics and activities we enjoy, and from our skills, which we develop and improve over time. They are centered on our feelings, intuitions, and emotional relationships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: May 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822500723

IRB Media

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Insights on Robert E. McGrath & Ryan M. Niemiec's The Power of Character Strengths

Contents

Insights from Chapter 1

Insights from Chapter 2

Insights from Chapter 3

Insights from Chapter 4

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

There are 24 central character strengths in human beings, and each strength falls under a larger category called a virtue. These character strengths are the positive parts of our personality, and they are valued by others.

#2

The VIA Classification is a system of character strengths that was developed by the researchers Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. It was developed to help people understand what makes us human, and it is based on the research of more than fifty scientists.

#3

Character strengths are the basic elements of our identity. When we express these character strengths through our thoughts and actions, research says we tend to feel happier, more connected, and more productive.

#4

The six character strengths are different from our interests and passions, which engage us in topics and activities we enjoy, and from our skills, which we develop and improve over time. They are centered on our feelings, intuitions, and emotional relationships.

#5

The importance of character strengths can be seen in how they help us see what is best in ourselves and others, and how they help us overcome the negative aspects of life. They help us learn from and reframe the negative.

#6

All of us have blind spots in our self-understanding. We don’t know everything about ourselves, and in some cases, others are more aware of how we are coming across than we are.

#7

The field of psychology has developed a common language for talking about what’s best in people. This was accomplished in 2004 with the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues.

#8

Character is plural. It cannot be captured in a single concept such as honesty or integrity, but people express a variety of character strengths, and almost always are expressing multiple strengths at the same time.

#9

After you have explored your top strengths, consider how you bring forth your middle and lesser strengths, and boost those. Each strength can make a positive difference in your life and the lives of others.

#10

Your character can be developed. The last decade of research in personality psychology has shown that your personality, including your character, can change. These changes can be caused by changes in your life role, such as getting married, having a child, or joining the military, or by unexpected events, such