Character

"If you want to develop character, you have to identify your strengths and use them over and over again." This is according to Chris Peterson, the VIA Institute's Science Director who goes on to says that, "You can't cultivate the whole of character, but you certainly can cultivate its components."

VIA stands for "Values in Action." The group's work was put together by 55 social scientists. Featured in a recent PBS special This Emotional Life, the group offers two quizzes to discover you top character traits. I took the test a couple of years ago, and just took it once again. The same traits came out as the top two for me: 1) Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith, 2) Humor and playfulness. But this time 3) Love of learning was a change from the previous of "Zest, enthusiasm, and energy" which was the previous third trait. The fourth remains "Creativity, ingenuity, and originality." I think the change came from spending the past year teaching college one night a week.

You can take the 240-question test for free at www.viasurvey.org. While they offer additional information for a fee, I opted for the free summary. They also have a special youth survey for those 10-17 years of age.

The larger question is whether they are right about cultivating character. I will side with Aristotle and Aquinas on this and say that virtues can and should be cultivated. The best way to be trustworthy is to value honesty and in decision making do what a trustworthy person would do.

Take the survey and share your top traits. Please.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor