What people are in life. What are the good character traits?

As Victor Hugo used to say, a person has as many as three characters: one ascribes to him the environment, the other he ascribes to himself, and the third is real, objective.

There are more than five hundred character traits of a person, and not all of them are uniquely positive or negative, much depends on the context.

Therefore, any person who has collected certain qualities in individual proportions is unique.

The character of a person is a specific, inherent only to him combination of personal, ordered psychological traits, features, nuances. It is formed, meanwhile, a lifetime and manifests itself during labor and social interaction.

Soberly assessing and describing the character of the chosen person is not an easy task. After all, not all of its properties are demonstrated to the environment: some features (good and bad) remain in the shadows. Yes, and to ourselves, we seem somewhat different than seen in the mirror.

Is it possible? Yes, there is a version that this is possible. With a lot of effort and practice, you are able to adopt the qualities you love, becoming a little better.

The character of a person is manifested in actions, in social behavior. It is visible in relation to a person's attitude to work, to things, to other people and in their self-esteem.

In addition, character traits are subdivided into groups - "strong-willed", "emotional", "intellectual" and "social".

We are not born with specific traits, but acquire them in the process of upbringing, education, exploring the environment, and so on. Of course, the genotype also influences the formation of character: the apple often falls very close to the apple tree.

In essence, the character is close to temperament, but they are not the same thing.

In order to assess yourself and your role in society relatively soberly, psychologists advise you to write down your positive, neutral and negative traits on a piece of paper and analyze.

Try to do this and you, you will find examples of character traits below.

Positive personality traits (list)

Negative character traits (list)

At the same time, some qualities can hardly be attributed to good or bad, and you cannot even call them neutral. So, any mother wants her daughter to be shy, silent and shy, but is this good for the girl?

Again, a dreamy person can be cute, but completely unlucky due to the fact that he always hovers in the clouds. An assertive individual for someone looks stubborn, for someone - intolerable and stubborn.

Is it bad to be gambling and carefree? Has cunning gone far from wisdom and resourcefulness? Do ambition, ambition, and determination lead to success or loneliness? This will likely depend on the situation and context.

And what you will be like, you decide for yourself!

Character is something unified, whole. How does it affect a person's life? Globally! The fact is that all our actions are justified by something. We do what our mind and heart tell us. There is also another factor affecting our lives. Anyone has something like an inner core that has a direct impact on his behavior. It's about character. This web consists of certain ones that are fixed in the course of daily activities.

The list of which will be discussed in this article is different. Some of them make us better, others worse. The list of character traits is extensive. All of them in one way or another affect our life. Can you change your character? Yes, you can. It's hard to do, but sometimes you just can't do without it. We are not always to blame for who we have become. Improper upbringing, bad company, inappropriate education - all this can badly affect the character of the person. Bad qualities are instilled in a person, and he begins to think that they are the norm. Timely awareness of the problem will help solve it.

The character traits, the list of which we will consider, also affect the way we communicate with others. Do you have few friends? Perhaps the problem is not people, but that you need to change your inner self.

Personality traits: list

An important positive character trait is hard work. Any person who is ready to work will achieve a lot. It's not about the ability to unload wagons, but about work in general: both physical and intellectual. Those possessing such a character trait as hard work do not stand still, but are constantly looking for more and more new types of activity in which they could realize themselves. The opposite of this character trait will be laziness. Of course, she spoils because of her, it becomes difficult to rise, inert, unable to achieve the set goals.

Character traits, the list of which is wide, include kindness. Kind people are open to the world, always ready to help those in need. They renounce evil, because they understand that they will not lead to anything good. The opposite character trait is anger.

What about cowardice? People who have this character trait are constantly in the back rows. Life often passes them by. They do not find the strength and courage to undertake something new, something that would change not only themselves, but also the world.

The character traits listed here are varied. They also include sociability. She helps us to establish contacts with other people, make new acquaintances, maintain old ones, and so on. Man is a social being. This means that living in a society, you need to be able to contact your own kind. Lack of communication is a negative character trait. Being a loner is good, but not always. It is worth thinking about what lies ahead. Sooner or later, you will still want to see people next to you that you can really rely on.

Here is a list of the positive qualities of a person:

Benevolence;

Openness;

Philanthropy;

Perseverance;

Openness to new things;

Seriousness;

Good nature;

Restraint;

Tact;

Gaiety;

Purposefulness;

Here is a list of the person:

Inertia;

Envy;

Aggressiveness;

Idleness;

Closure;

Malevolence;

Each of us has positive and negative qualities, the unique combination of which determines the character. The more good traits in a person, the faster he converges with people, the easier it is for him to live.

Naturally, there are no ideal people, but in each nature there is a kind and light beginning. To achieve harmony with yourself and the world around you, it is absolutely necessary to develop positive features character. Their list contains many items, moreover, different people their views on this matter, however, there are universal qualities that are equally appreciated (in society) and make a person better. Let's try to list and describe some of them.

How and when is character formed? Temperament addiction

According to psychologists, personality is largely influenced by individual characteristics of temperament. Depending on which of the types prevails in a person and how they combine and interact, it is possible to determine the basic qualities of character.

For example, choleric people are characterized by irascibility and imbalance, and sanguine people - restlessness and activity. However, if temperament is given to everyone from birth and is unchanged, then the character must be developed and educated.

For example, the innate calmness and equanimity of a phlegmatic person can be manifested as excessive slowness, and useful and, undoubtedly, positive purposefulness, perseverance and accuracy. Moreover, the character is formed already in the earliest childhood, therefore, it must be brought up as early as possible.

Inheritance of character and peculiarities of upbringing

It is widely believed that positive and negative character traits can be inherited. Many even give examples of how children and grandchildren display the same qualities as the older generation. But, according to psychologists, upbringing still plays a much larger role. After all, it is the family that becomes the place where the first values and principles are inculcated.

Adults by their example show the child from the very first months of his life how one can and cannot behave, lay the foundations of politeness and decency. Those character traits that are valued by parents become important for their children. It can be hard work, responsibility, or, for example, cheerfulness and friendliness.

The connection between character and nationality

Many scientists are actively studying the dependence of basic personal qualities on a person's belonging to a particular nation. They managed to convincingly prove that in different countries their own types of character are formed.

It is known that the mentality has been formed for more than one century, it largely depends on the characteristics of culture, the history of philosophy and other factors. We can even talk about the climate. Thus, representatives of the northern peoples tend to accumulate energy. Hence, some slowness, solidity. Residents of warm southern countries on the contrary, they waste energy generously, they are characterized by ardor and temperament. And, for example, the positive character traits inherent in the representatives of the Slavic peoples are generosity, cordiality, a tendency to self-sacrifice.

What is commonly understood as positive traits?

The list of good qualities includes many items. Moreover, everyone will have their own list. However, no one will argue that the success of a person in his personal life and career, his relationship with friends and relatives, in the end, his attitude and perception of himself, directly depends on character.

Positive personality traits make life easier and happier. Negative ones, on the contrary, harm primarily the individual himself.

It is rather difficult to classify the good qualities of a person in any way, because they are closely interconnected. However, in order to make it easier to list and characterize them, we will try to distribute them into several groups. After all, in order to build a strong relationship or to be successful at work, different personal qualities are required. In addition, there are main character traits, without which a person, in principle, cannot be considered positive. Perhaps you can start with them.

Universal qualities

You can start your list of top positive qualities with courtesy. After all, an ill-mannered, rude, boorish person cannot achieve success in any area of life. Politeness, based on the elementary rules of etiquette, familiar to everyone from childhood, and respect for others - this is what makes us human.

Honor is one of the qualities that make us a person. This is a genuine nobility of the soul, the ability to strictly follow one's moral principles, without changing them even in the most difficult situations in life, the desire to behave with dignity and always remain human.

Fairness is a manifestation of character that helps you be honest with yourself and others. Such a person strives to do the right thing and always remains true to his ideals, openly speaking out for what he considers right.

Reliability is another of the traits necessary for harmony in your personal life and success in your career. A person with this quality will fulfill the promise, no matter how difficult it may be, will do his job independently of others. You can rely on it in any situation, which is why reliability is so valued.

Courage and courage, self-confidence - qualities are undoubtedly positive. After all, a coward will not be able to achieve any height and stay on it. And heroes and daredevils remain in our hearts and memory for many centuries.

Positive qualities for relationships with other people

Character metrics that have a direct impact on our relationships with other people are undoubtedly important for each of us. After all, a person cannot live in isolation from the collective. One of the most important qualities is benevolence. Such a person treats others warmly, is always ready to help friends, does not wish anyone any harm.

Carefulness, responsiveness and the ability to empathize closely coexist with it. These good qualities of a person help him to establish harmonious relationships with loved ones. After all, sincere attention to people and the ability to understand their problems are much more expensive than any gifts.

Sincerity and truthfulness are qualities that have been valued at all times as worth their weight in gold. A genuine, honest attitude towards others characterizes a person from the best side.

Friendliness and openness are two more character traits that help you connect with others and make new friends. Such a person quickly strikes up a relationship and maintains it easily.

Don't forget about qualities like hospitality and generosity. Such a person shares his time, things and good mood... Offers shelter and food without asking for anything in return. Welcomes guests to his home so that they feel important and significant.

Many more can be added to these qualities. Here are just a few: loyalty, tolerance, generosity, dedication, tact and many others. Possession of these qualities makes a person attractive in the eyes of others.

Qualities influencing success in life and career

The list of positive traits that have a significant impact on success, including in the business sphere, can be discovered by such a quality as purposefulness. A person who possesses it knows how to make plans and translate them into reality. He is not distracted by minor details and confidently goes to the goal.

Activity is also positive quality character, irreplaceable in the business sphere. No wonder they say that water does not flow under a lying stone. An active person will not wait for favors from providence, but builds his own destiny with his own hands, without fear of mistakes and failures.

Neatness and conscientiousness are two more character traits that have a significant impact on success in business life and beyond. This is the ability to accurately and diligently complete the assigned task, not forgetting about the smallest details. Neat people are attentive not only to their appearance, but also to their official duties, fulfilling them conscientiously.

A positive person, if we talk about a career, is not only executive, but also proactive. This quality presupposes the ability to contribute to a common cause and show oneself from the best side, without waiting for instructions from the authorities, to look for new non-standard ways of solving certain problems.

The modern world requires considerable organizational skills from a person. And this is useful not only for people in leadership positions. The ability to captivate with your idea, organize the work process, inspire and induce action is appreciated in any situation and in every team.

Flexibility also characterizes a person most the best way... It is about the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to respect the decisions of the authorities. However, in any situation, you should not compromise with your own conscience.

Character traits that improve the quality of life

Gratitude and contentment are qualities that allow a person to be grateful to life for everything that happens to him. This is the ability to rejoice at every gift of fate, regardless of what it brought. Such a person is not afraid to show close people how he values them, he thanks every new day and has every chance to achieve harmony and become happy.

The ability to judge yourself and your actions is a truly inherent quality strong man... Only through an impartial assessment can you avoid mistakes and achieve success in life.

The ability to forgive is a less common trait today, but essential for a fulfilling life... Such people do not hide and do not remember grievances, they just let them go. The ability to sincerely forgive and not keep evil is a quality inherent in a happy person.

Good qualities and gender

Positive and negative qualities depend a lot on gender. After all, the requirements for men and women are sometimes radically different, as are the types of character inherent in them.

Representatives of the strong half of humanity are expected to be reliable, self-confident, decisive. A real man is ready to support and help with solving any difficulties, you can always rely on him, he is brave and hardy.

But the typical female character, examples of which can be found not only in life, but also in films or books, is usually portrayed as completely different. For girls, qualities such as tenderness, patience, kindness, caring and the like are much more valuable.

A real woman is, first of all, the continuer of the clan, the keeper of the family, a loving mother and wife. Moreover, some qualities that are positive for girls become completely unacceptable if a man possesses them and vice versa. For example, gentleness adorns a woman, but not a man. And excessive perseverance or desperate courage will suit a young man, but it is unlikely to be useful to a girl.

How to develop and cultivate good qualities?

As mentioned above, it is necessary to educate your personality from early childhood - first, parents are engaged in this, and later - school. But even in adulthood, you can and even need to develop your good qualities. After all, the true strength of character lies not only in what is laid down from childhood, but also in much to a greater extent in what is acquired through long-term self-improvement. How can this be achieved?

First of all, you need to soberly assess yourself and determine which positive and negative character traits prevail. This is necessary in order to find out in which direction to move, what to develop, and what to eradicate.

After a person chooses those qualities that, in his opinion, need to be cultivated in character, it is necessary to answer one more important question: "What is it for?". Perhaps he lacks determination and activity to properly prove himself at work, or he is not courageous enough, and this interferes in his personal life.

In character education, an important role is played by positive example... Therefore, in the next step, it would be nice to choose a well-known historical or fictional person who possesses necessary qualities and imagine yourself in their place, suggest how this person would behave in a given situation.

And, of course, practice is paramount. It is impossible to cultivate any trait in oneself, be it decisiveness, courage or accuracy, without showing it. In other words, you need to gradually accustom yourself to behave in a new way. And even if this appears at first only in small things, later the acquired habit will become an element of character.

It is important to equally cultivate different traits in yourself, paying attention to all facets of your personality. Only then will the development be harmonious and complete. However, in educating yourself, you need to remember about moderation. After all, some positive character traits can easily become negative.

You can often observe how, for example, caution borders on cowardice, frugality - with stinginess, and excessive gaiety - with frivolity. In addition, almost any life situation you can look from different angles and see how closely good and evil, good and bad, coexist, both in a person and in the whole world.

Do not forget that there are no completely ideal people, but you still need to try to ensure that positive character traits prevail over negative ones. Striving for perfection, constant self-development, the desire to come to the aid of those in need - this is what makes a person truly positive. And you will see how the people around you who are close to you become kinder.

In Altai, there is a saying - "A man without character, that bread is without salt." The word "character" itself, translated from Greek, means "seal", "imprint", but if we take the figurative meaning, then we are talking about the typicality and peculiarity of human behavioral qualities. What is the origin of the concept, and what character traits exist?

The science of psychology describes the concept of character most fully. She fully reveals all the nuances and defines it as a set of personality traits and properties that not only give a person individuality, but also explain his actions in a given situation.

The main specific traits conventionally divided into several groups:

emotions;
will;
intelligence.

Emotional traits - aggressiveness, good nature, melancholy, artistry, etc., begin to form from early childhood, when the child's mental qualities undergo a gradual formation. And this happens under the influence of various factors.

Strong-willed character traits (pedantry, masculinity, devotion, etc.) a person acquires all his life. The qualities associated with intelligence - intelligence, independence, prudence, etc. - depend on an innate predisposition, which is influenced by heredity and temperament.

An important factor in the formation of the character of a person is his environment. It can lead to the acquisition of both positive and negative character traits in the child. The process continues throughout life, and the list of acquired personality traits is increasing all the time. If initially this happens unconsciously at the level of reflexes, then with growing up people begin to choose those characteristics that are closer to them.

Experts have found that the basic character traits of a child are laid down from the very infancy, the strong-willed traits of the baby begin to appear already in the second year of life, and at three or four he already has business qualities.

Communicative signs are most noticeable at 4-5 years old, when children are interested and actively participate in role-playing games with their peers. If we take these data into account, then we can say for sure - a five-year-old child has his own, unique character.

What is the basis of personality traits?

If we structure knowledge about personal qualities, then we can distinguish 4 character traits, more precisely, a block of characteristics:

express attitude towards other people (compassion, sociability, guardianship, etc.);
traits showing how a person relates to himself (selfishness, modesty, self-criticism, narcissism, etc.);
attitude to work (laziness, responsibility, etc.);
traits indicating a person's attitude to objects (thrift, accuracy, greed, etc.).

Today there are more than one hundred definitions of personality traits, but still science identifies the main character traits.

In the business area, these are:

In the field of communications, these are emotional qualities:

aggression or benevolence;
irritability;
modesty;
rancor.

Volitional qualities are associated with a person's integrity, they are formed against the background of the struggle of motives and the assimilation of moral norms. In this case, positive character traits are confidence, perseverance, determination. They promote personal growth person. Negative personality traits include - lack of will, lack of consistency, compliance.

How is nationality reflected on personal characteristics?

There are many stereotypes associated with nationality, for example, if slow means definitely Estonian, tight-fisted - a Jew, temperamental - a Georgian, restrained - an Englishman ....

Scientists have proven quite accurately that the features national character really is. And they are associated with various factors - culture, religion, education and even climate. Of course, we are talking about those qualities that are revealed in the majority of representatives of the nation to one degree or another.

And what traits of the Russian character can be distinguished? Many philosophers and psychologists have tried to evaluate the Russian people in terms of their characteristic qualities.

Professor of Russian philosophy Lossky identified six main features:

Doctor psychological sciences Lebedeva N.M., based on Lossky's research, identified two, at first glance, opposite groups of properties of the Russian person:

Spiritual and spiritual qualities of Russian people- include exclusively good characteristics- humility with one's own share, dedication and self-sacrifice, deep faith, calm acceptance of the thought of an impending death, a cool attitude towards wealth, the ability to empathize and share the essentials, contentment with the available benefits.
Passivity, inaction- historically, it so happened that ordinary people for centuries were at a distance from political and social life; and although modern people show interest in this area, but more often it is a verbal expression of will, not supported by action. Hence follows the following negative traits of the character of the Russian person - some alienation from the affairs of the country, the expectation of a "miracle", the desire for anarchism, rebellion, the denial of discipline, all sorts of temptations.

Physique and character

There is an interesting enough theory of the German psychologist Ernst Kretschmer that personal qualities directly depend on a person's constitution. Moreover, the majority theoretical aspects received practical confirmation. According to Kretschmer's idea, there are three characteristic types:

Asthenic people ("weak") are thin, with elongated body parts - limbs, face, flat sternum and poorly developed muscles. The personality traits of a “schizotomist” correspond to them - isolation, seriousness, stubbornness, people do not adapt well to new conditions. At mental disorders we can talk about schizophrenia.
Athletics (athletics in translation "athletic, skillful") - people of impressive height, broad chest, strong bones and powerful muscles. Usually, this is how heroic personalities from the epic are described, however, the character traits of the “hero” are not so unambiguous. They were called iscotimics - having a calm character, lack of special impressionability, a tendency to practicality and restraint in facial expressions and gestures, they also have 3 character traits that are far from heroism - imperiousness, a negative attitude to change and poor adaptability to new conditions. With nervous disorders, there is a risk of developing epilepsy.
Picnics - (dense, thick) representatives of this group are short, plump or have a tendency to gain excess weight, have a large head on a short neck, wide face, small facial features. These are cyclothymics - the main character trait of a person in this case is sociability, he makes good contact, reacts emotionally to any event, quickly gets used to new conditions. In such people, there is a tendency for mental disorders to manic-depressive psychosis.

No matter how many characteristics human traits and qualities, there is no identical personality character. Of course, there is generalized data, and some points may even coincide with the existing features of temperament. However, each person is a unique creation, a tangle of innate and acquired properties, characteristics, charisma and contradictions. It is only important to remember that everyone forges his own qualities and it is important not to forget about personal growth.

Character traits of a person are what others form an opinion about him on the basis of. Personality traits determine her behavior, attitude towards herself and others, motivation, achievements. Knowing what drives a person, on the basis of which he makes decisions, you can objectively evaluate him, figure out whether he is suitable for relationships, friendship, work.

Primary and secondary traits

Character traits are divided into primary and secondary. It is necessary to consider them in an extremely comprehensive manner, this is the only way to form an objective opinion about a person.

Primary

Primary traits have a permanent effect on a person, but they do not always appear. For example, if a person is sociable, this does not mean that in a new or large group of people he will be the life of the company.

The primary properties include the following:

Having intelligence... A person can not always push out his knowledge in any area, but at the same time he will remain an interesting interlocutor who knows how to keep up a conversation.
Openness or restraint... These properties can be seen at the first meeting. Does the person start talking to new topic first, does it ask questions, does it make any suggestions. He himself may not show the initiative, but if they ask him questions, he answers openly and fully. All this testifies to openness.
Submission or dominance... Of course, these features are most clearly manifested in situations where you can take on the role of a commander, but in an ordinary environment they are easy to see. The dominant is not afraid to take responsibility, is full of enthusiasm, sparkles with ideas. The subordinate expects ideas from others, it is easier for him to take on the role of a performer, perhaps even a very conscientious one, only he needs someone to tell him what exactly needs to be done.

The primary features are the pairs "volatility-conscientiousness", "timidity-courage", "carelessness-seriousness", "suspicion-gullibility", etc. Moreover, the primary signs of a person do not always work. If there are doubts about the correctness of the assessment, it is necessary to repeat the session, date, interview to obtain secondary data.

Secondary

Secondary reflects the reaction to a specific situation. These include:

practicality or a penchant for fantasy;
openness or secrecy;
confidence or anxiety;
craving for experimentation or conservatism;
dependence on someone else's opinion or self-sufficiency;
tension or relaxation.

Each person is individual, which is reflected in the primary traits, habits, reactions. Not all properties have the same meaning; only the brightest and most repetitive qualities should be the basis of the assessment.

Surface and deep properties

Psychologist Raymond Cattell has studied two such character traits - superficial and deep.

Superficial

According to Cattell, these traits are determined by the influence of the environment. They seem to lie on the surface. But if an individual is different situations behaves the same, even superficial quality should be used in the analysis.

For example, if a timid person suddenly interceded for a friend, this does not mean that he will do the same next time or under different conditions. His act suggests that he acted bravely, but he is not brave.

Deep

These are fundamental traits that tend to be innate. Individuality is often expressed precisely in deep character traits that remain unchanged in any situation. They are not able to be influenced by cultural, religious or other factors.

3 evaluation planes

To give a description of a person's character, you need to consider it in three dimensions:

acceptability;
constancy;
uniqueness.

Acceptability

Acceptable are the qualities of character that are usually liked by the majority and are considered positive in society. For example, generosity, honesty, responsiveness. Everyone will call negative self-centeredness, greed, rudeness. These traits are unacceptable and condemned by society.

When describing a character, one must take into account that negative and positive traits can easily coexist in it, often they come in a "set":

ambition and toughness;
intelligence and arrogance;
kindness and reliability;
generosity and irresponsibility.

Uniqueness

It should be borne in mind that despite the typology, similarities, attempts of psychologists to classify people by type, we are all unique. Personality traits can be combined in different ways to create individuality. Very often you can hear the phrases "all girls are the same", "all men need only one thing", "scorpions are all the same according to the horoscope." This is fundamentally not true, without looking at the similarities, everyone has a chance to reveal themselves.

Consistency and habits

Consistency is the same behavior in similar situations and conditions. You need to be able to distinguish it from habits. They are much narrower, more limited. If you combine several habits together, you can get one character trait. For example, if a person runs every morning, this does not yet speak of his strength of character, but if we add to this proper nutrition, the ability to give up alcohol and adhere to a certain schedule, then all this can be combined, for example, in dedication or pedantry.

Assessment methods

To evaluate a person, the following methods will help:

Observation in the natural environment... For example, when a girl wants to get to know a guy better, she should spend his usual day with him - meeting friends, doing what he likes. This will allow her to immerse herself in his life, to see her from the inside.
Statement of problems and search for solutions... Another type of observation that is suitable for evaluating employees or job seekers. A classic interview does not always provide an opportunity to identify the necessary character traits. To better assess a potential employee, you can verbally simulate a situation for him and ask him to live it - find a way out of a situation, make a difficult decision.
Pros-cons analysis... This method of assessment is very primitive and cannot give an objective assessment; nevertheless, it is used very often. A sheet is taken, drawn in half, positive traits of a person are written on one side, negative traits on the other. To make the analysis more accurate, you can describe not only the personality traits themselves, but also his actions.

How to describe a person's character?

This can be done from several positions:

His attitude towards me, his attitude towards himself, his attitude towards the world. These are three points that can only be viewed as a whole. For example, a person treats himself and his loved ones well, but he doesn't care if his neighbor's dog dies. A man can be kind in principle, and then his kindness towards a particular girl does not at all mean deep feelings, it is just a trait of his character.
Spiritual, material, physical... You can describe a person by assessing his spiritual values, attitude to money, physical data. For example, a person involved in ballroom dancing knows how to demonstrate himself, athletes are characterized by determination and perseverance. In relation to money, one can conclude about commercialism, generosity, success, hoarding, squandering, responsibility.
Education, the ability to transform... From this position, it is possible to determine which traits in a person were cultivated and which ones he acquired, whether he is capable of changing and what motivates him to this.

Character traits are always individual. People with the same traits can evoke different emotions and impressions. When making an assessment, you need to stay at ease and try not to turn the process into an inquiry.