Perspective

You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to
understand the world from multiple points of view.

What is Perspective?

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.

Individuals with this strength are likely to think, feel, or behave in the following ways:

Perspective

I am aware of my own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Perspective
Self-awareness is important to me. I am able to accurately articulate my strengths and weaknesses.
Perspective
I have the ability to identify and analyze larger patterns.
Perspective
Friends, family members, or coworkers often seek my advice.
Perspective
It is important to consider all sides’
needs, thoughts, and opinions before acting.

Why does perspective matter?

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.

Quotes on Perspective

“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 

Explore more character strengths

You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for granted.

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Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence

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.

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Bravery

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.

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Creativity

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.

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Curiosity

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.

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Enthusiasm

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.

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Fairness

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.

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Forgiveness

You let go of anger toward those who have done wrong. You accept that people make mistakes.

You are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.

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Gratitude

You are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.

You do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.

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Humility

You do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.

You like to laugh and bring smiles to other people.

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Humor

You like to laugh and bring smiles to other people.

Your choices reflect your values even when the choice is difficult. You are honest, keep your promises, and present yourself genuinely.

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Integrity

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.

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Kindness

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.

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Leadership

You value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best.

You value close relationships with others and being close to people.

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Love

You value close relationships with others and being close to people.

You master new skills and topics on your own or in school.

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Love of Learning

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.

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Open-Mindedness

You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.

You expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.

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Optimism

You expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.

You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.

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Perseverance

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.

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Perspective

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.

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Prudence

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.

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Purpose

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.

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Self-Control

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.

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Social Intelligence

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.

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Teamwork

You work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.

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P2 for Families gives parents simple, no-prep ways to talk about character strengths with their kids.