UBVirtuous2: You Be Virtuous Too

The VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues

Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of positive psychology and former president of the American Psychological Association, partnered with Dr. Christopher Peterson, distinguished professor at the University of Michigan, to create the most comprehensive scientific classification of human character ever developed. Their landmark work, "Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification" (2004), represents a paradigm shift in psychology—from studying what's wrong with people to understanding what's right.

Academic Foundation: The VIA Classification emerged from rigorous cross-cultural research examining virtue traditions across all major civilizations and religions. The researchers identified character strengths that appeared universally valued—from ancient Greece to Confucian China, from indigenous cultures to modern societies. The resulting 24 strengths and 6 virtues represent what Peterson called "the best of what's in us."

Key Research Findings:

• Universal Recognition: These 24 strengths are valued across virtually all cultures studied worldwide
• Measurable and Developable: Character strengths can be reliably assessed and deliberately cultivated
• Signature Strengths: Each person typically has 3-7 "signature strengths" that feel most natural and energizing
• Wellbeing Link: Using signature strengths in new ways increases happiness and decreases depression
• Malleable Through Life: Character strengths can be developed at any age through intentional practice

Why It Works: Unlike personality traits (which tend to be stable), character strengths are developable capacities. Research shows that identifying and using your signature strengths leads to greater engagement, meaning, and life satisfaction. The VIA framework provides both a vocabulary for virtue and a pathway to virtue development.

Peterson and Seligman organized the 24 universal character strengths under 6 broad virtues—qualities valued by moral philosophers and religious thinkers throughout history. UBVirtuous2 provides Inspire-U-2 modules for developing each of these strengths.

What exactly is an "Inspire-U-2" module, and how does it work?

An Inspire-U-2 module is a curated collection of 100+ inspirational quotes focused on a specific character strength, virtue, or life skill. The name breaks down grammatically as "Inspire-You-To" followed by an action or quality—for example, "Inspire-U-2-B-Courageous" means "Inspire You To Be Courageous."

🎯 How Do Modules Work?

Each module functions as a digital card deck in the InspireWell4Life platform. When you select a module like "Inspire-U-2-B-Courageous," you can:

1. Draw random quotes one at a time, allowing serendipity to bring you the message you need today
2. Reflect on each quote in the context of your current character development goals
3. Return repeatedly to the same module, discovering new wisdom with each visit
4. Track your favorites to build a personal collection of meaningful insights

🔄 Why Multiple Modules Per Strength?

UBVirtuous2 contains 40 unique modules spread across 24 character strengths. Some strengths have multiple modules because virtue is multifaceted—for example, "Social Intelligence" includes modules for friendship, communication, listening, relating well, and managing negative emotions. This diversity allows you to:

• Find your personal entry point into each strength based on what resonates most
• Explore different angles on the same virtue
• Prevent habituation by varying your practice across related but distinct modules
• Tailor your journey to your unique signature strengths and growth edges

UBVirtuous2 provides a comprehensive character development system with exceptional depth and breadth:

Wisdom Tradition Distribution

Each module contains approximately 100 quotes carefully curated from six distinct wisdom traditions, ensuring cultural diversity and philosophical breadth:

• Universal/Eclectic: ~40% - Contemporary insights and cross-cultural wisdom
• Positive Psychology: ~30% - Research-backed perspectives from scientific literature
• Stoic Philosophy: ~10% - Ancient wisdom on virtue and character
• Christian Tradition: ~10% - Biblical and theological insights on virtue
• Buddhist/Mindfulness: ~5% - Eastern contemplative perspectives
• Other Traditions: ~5% - Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Indigenous, and additional sources

One of the VIA framework's most powerful insights is the concept of signature strengths—the 3-7 character strengths that feel most essential to who you are.

How to Identify Your Signature Strengths

A strength is likely a signature strength if it meets most of these criteria:

• Sense of ownership: "This is the real me"
• Excitement while using it: Particularly initially
• Rapid learning curve: When first using the strength
• Continuous learning: Finding new ways to use it
• Yearning to act: Strong desire to express this strength
• Inevitability: Feeling of "try and stop me" about using it
• Invigoration: Using it energizes rather than depletes
• Personal projects: Creating opportunities to use it
• Intrinsic motivation: Joy in using it, not just external rewards

Using UBVirtuous2 with Your Signature Strengths

Once you know your signature strengths, UBVirtuous2 supports your development in two powerful ways:

1. Amplify Your Signatures: Use the modules corresponding to your top strengths to deepen and find new applications for them. If "Love of Learning" is your signature strength, the Inspire-U-2-Learn module will provide endless inspiration for expressing this quality.
2. Develop Growth Areas: Use modules for lower-ranked strengths you want to cultivate. Character strengths are malleable—even "lesser" strengths can be developed through intentional practice and exposure to inspiring wisdom.

UBVirtuous2 is designed for anyone committed to developing character strengths and living a more virtuous life.

Multiple Pathways to Practice

UBVirtuous2 offers flexible approaches to fit your lifestyle and learning preferences:

Maximizing Effectiveness

Based on VIA research and character strengths interventions, users can anticipate measurable improvements across multiple dimensions:

Short-Term Impact (Weeks 1-4)

Medium-Term Impact (Weeks 5-12)

Long-Term Transformation (3-12 Months)

Individual Variation

Results vary based on several factors:

• Signature strength fit: Practicing your true signatures produces stronger results
• Consistency of practice: Regular engagement outperforms sporadic use
• Application focus: Actually using strengths matters more than just reading about them
• Social support: Sharing the journey with others enhances outcomes
• Context alignment: Strengths flourish best in supportive environments

UBVirtuous2 is built upon rigorous empirical research in positive psychology. Key foundational studies include:

Supporting Research by Virtue Category

Each of the 6 virtues and 24 strengths has supporting research literature. Notable findings include:

• Wisdom strengths: Predict academic success and creative achievement
• Courage strengths: Buffer against anxiety and support goal pursuit
• Humanity strengths: Strongly predict relationship quality and longevity
• Justice strengths: Associated with leadership effectiveness and civic engagement
• Temperance strengths: Protect against addiction and impulsive behavior
• Transcendence strengths: Most strongly predict life satisfaction and meaning

Application Settings

VIA character strengths have been successfully applied in:

• Clinical psychology: Strengths-based therapy and positive psychotherapy
• Education: Character education programs in schools worldwide
• Business: Leadership development and employee engagement
• Healthcare: Patient wellbeing and recovery support
• Military: Resilience training and post-traumatic growth
• Coaching: Strengths-based coaching certifications

UBVirtuous2 works beautifully alongside other InspireWell4Life products to create a comprehensive personal development system:

UBVirtuous2 is built on decades of rigorous scientific research. For those who wish to explore the academic foundations more deeply, we recommend these essential works: