You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to
understand the world from multiple points of view.
Perspective is also referred to as wisdom. It is distinct from intelligence. People with this strength are sought out for advice. They see the big picture and can make sense of the world’s complexity. The strength of perspective gives individuals the ability to see to the heart of difficult questions and achieve clarity. Importantly, they are also honest and behave in an ethically consistent manner.
Perspective is usually gained over time, as one accumulates more knowledge and experiences. However, developing perspective is not simply a matter of time. It comes from truly listening to others when they talk — and working to understand new points of view when reading books, listening to stories, or watching movies.
Virtue: Wisdom and Knowledge. Strengths of wisdom and knowledge are cognitive strengths related to the acquisition and use of information. Strengths comprised in this virtue are creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, and perspective.
Individuals with this strength might be described as wise, sage, perceptive, insightful, observant, or mindful.
The content on this page is written for adults — and the character card linked below is our Grades 9–12 version. Our curriculum is differentiated by grade level, from Pre-K–12. Request free lessons to get a closer look at how P2 teaches character strengths across grade levels.
I am aware of my own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Perspective helps an individual make sense of the world. It provides clarity on what matters and what does not. Being able to see things from multiple angles helps individuals remain calm and learn from mistakes. Individuals with this strength are typically highly self-aware. Reflecting on their own feelings, thoughts, and motives helps them understand and empathize with other people. These individuals are strong listeners and ask great questions.
On a group level, perspective helps couples, teams, communities, and societies act wisely and correctly. Individuals with the strength of perspective help their group get through difficult or uncertain circumstances because they’re poised and can identify opportunities for success. Moving into an increasingly complex future, the need for individuals with perspective will only increase.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
- Aristotle
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
- Paulo Coelho
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.”
- Jimi Hendrix
“He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.”
- Confucius
You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for granted.
You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for granted.
You act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
You act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
You come up with new and original ways to think about and do things.
You like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.
You like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.
You approach life with excitement and energy. You energize people around you.
You believe that all people have value. You approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect.
You believe that all people have value. You approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect.
You let go of anger toward those who have done wrong. You accept that people make mistakes.
You let go of anger toward those who have done wrong. You accept that people make mistakes.
You do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.
Your choices reflect your values even when the choice is difficult. You are honest, keep your promises, and present yourself genuinely.
Your choices reflect your values even when the choice is difficult. You are honest, keep your promises, and present yourself genuinely.
You are generous to others and you are never too busy to help out. You enjoy doing good deeds for other people.
You are generous to others and you are never too busy to help out. You enjoy doing good deeds for other people.
You value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best.
You master new skills and topics on your own or in school.
You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.
You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
You plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
You have the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.
You are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
You are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
You work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.
You work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.
P2 for Families gives parents simple, no-prep ways to talk about character strengths with their kids.