What is positive psychology? How positive psychologists have identified virtues and strengths of human beings?

• Contemporary psychologists have shown increasing interest in understanding what makes life good and meaningful. This development is termed as positive psychology.

• Positive psychology systematically investigates the positive aspects that is the strengths and virtues of human beings.

• Positive psychologist seek 'to find and nurture genius and talent', and 'to make normal life more fulfilling, not just to cure mental illness'.

• Martin Seligman has provided leadership to the movement of positive psychology.

• On the basis of researches on around two hundred texts from various spiritual books, they were able to identify a set off human virtues shared by various traditions. These are as further:

A. Wisdom and Knowledge:

1. Curiosity/Interest in the World: An openness to experience; flexibility about things that don't fit your preconsception.

2. Love of Learning: Taking pleasure in learning new thing; taking every opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise.

3. Judgment/Critical Thinking/Open-Mindedness: Thinking things thoroughly and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being objective.

4. Ingenuity/Originality/Practical Intelligence: Finding new and practical ways of achieving results; creativity; 'street wisdom'.

5. Social Intelligence/Personal Intelligence/Emotional Intelligence:

Understanding your own and others' motives and feelings; acting in socially effective ways.

6. Perspective: Able to adopt the 'big picture' so as to act wisely; good at problem-solving and giving advice.

B. Courage:

1. Valour and Bravery: Willing to confront challenges and difficulty; prepared to adopt unpopular or dangerous positions.

2. Perseverance/Industry/Diligence: Finishing what you start; prepared to take on difficult projects; doing what you say you'll do - and more.

3. Integrity/Genuineness/Honesty: Living in a genuine, authentic way; down to earth and without pretence.

Humanity and Love:

1. Kindness and Generosity: Helping to higher people; putting others' interests as highly as your own.

2. Loving and Allowing Oneself to be Loved: Valuing and engendering close and intimate relations with others.

C. Justice:

1. Citizenship/Duty/Team work/Loyalty: Working hard for the success of the group; valuing group goals and purposes; respecting authority.

2. Fairness and Equity: Avoiding any personal bias; being guided by principles concerning equality; talking prejudice.

3. Leadership: Organizing activities well and seeing that they happen; maintaining good relationship in and between groups.

D. Temperance:

1. Self-Control: Checking your own impulses when appropriate; repairing negative feelings; managing yourself.

2. Prudence/Discretion/Caution: Being careful; no saying things you might regret; resisting short term.

3. Humility and Modesty: Not seeking the spotlight; letting your accomplishments speak for themselves; unpretentious.

E. Transcendence:

1. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence: Appreciating excellence in all domains; able to feel awe and wonder.

2. Gratitude: Not taking things for granted; expressing gratitude to other; appreciating life.

3. Hope/Optimism/Future-Mindedness: Maintaining a positive stance towards the future; expecting the best; leading a goal-directed life.

4. Spirituality/Sense of Purpose/Faith/Religiousness: Strong and coherent set of beliefs about larger purpose or meaning; acting in accordance with these beliefs.

5. Forgiveness and Mercy: Forgiving those who hurt or offend you; able to transform how you feel; generosity of spirit.

6. Playfulness and Humour: Laughing and creating laughter; seeing the light side of life.

7. Zest/Passion/Enthusiasm: Throwing yourself and soul into activities; inspiring others.