“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.”
Confucius
Source: Merriam-Webster online dictionary
Acceptance
The act of accepting something or someone
Complements: Contentment, Forgiveness
Transcends: Denial, Rejection
Assertiveness
Disposed to or characterized by bold or confident statements and behavior
Complements: Confidence, Courage
Transcends: Self-doubt, Shyness
Authenticity
True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character
Complements: Honesty, Integrity
Transcends: Low self-esteem
Caring
Feeling or showing concern for other people
Complements: Compassion, Kindness
Transcends: Cruelty, Insensitivity
Commitment
An agreement or pledge to do something in the future
Complements: Loyalty, Perseverance
Transcends: Lack of Direction
Compassion
Sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it
Complements: Caring, Understanding
Transcends: Grief, Judgment
Confidence
A feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something
Complements: Assertiveness, Courage
Transcends: Self-doubt, Uncertainty
Consideration
The act of thinking carefully about something you will make a decision about
Complements: Caring, Compassion
Transcends: Selfishness
Contentment
The state of being happy and satisfied
Complements: Fulfillment, Joy
Transcends: Dissatisfaction, Restlessness
Cooperation
A situation in which people work together to do something
Complements: Teamwork, Unity
Transcends: Defiance
Courage
Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
Complements: Boldness, Confidence
Transcends: Fear, Self-doubt
Creativity
The ability to make new things or think of new ideas
Complements: Joy, Purposefulness
Transcends: Ordinary
Determination
A quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult
Complements: Commitment, Tenaciousness
Transcends: Complacency
Dignity
A way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control
Complements: Honor, Respect
Transcends: Egoism, Selfishness
Encouragement
Something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident
Complements: Support, Caring
Transcends: Self-doubt, Discouragement
Ethical
Following accepted rules of behavior; morally right and good
Complements: Fairness, Respect
Transcends: Immorality
Fairness
Treating people in a way that does not favor some over others
Complements: Equality, Justice
Transcends: Grievance, Injustice
Faith
Strong belief or trust in someone or something
Complements: Confidence, Hope, Trust
Transcends: Apprehension, Doubt
Forgiveness
The act of forgiving someone or something
Complements: Freedom, Peace
Transcends: Anger, Bitterness
Generosity
The quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish; the quality of being generous
Complements: Kindness, Service
Transcends: Stinginess, Self-centered
Gentleness
Having or showing a kind and quiet nature; not harsh or violent
Complements: Patience, Peace
Transcends: Aggression
Graciousness
Very polite in a way that shows respect
Complements: Dignity, Tact
Transcends: Disrespect, Rudeness
Gratitude
A feeling of appreciation or thanks
Complements: Hope, Joy, Peace
Transcends: Disappointment, Pain
Helpfulness
Making it easier to do a job, deal with a problem, etc.; giving help
Complements: Graciousness, Service
Transcends: Negativity
Honesty
The quality of being fair and truthful
Complements: Integrity, Truthfulness
Transcends: Deceitfulness
Honor
Respect that is given to someone who is admired
Complements: Dignity, Respect
Transcends: Shame
Hope
To want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true
Complements: Faith, Joy, Trust
Transcends: Despair, Frustration
Humility
The quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people
Complements: Modesty
Transcends: Arrogance, Pride
Integrity
Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; the quality or state of being complete or undivided
Complements: Honesty, Trust
Transcends: Corruption, Deceitfulness
Justice
The process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals
Complements: Fairness, Integrity
Transcends: Discrimination
Kindness
The quality or state of being kind; a kind act
Complements: Caring, Compassionate
Transcends: Cruelty, Loneliness
Love
A feeling of strong or constant affection for a person
Complements: Caring, Forgiveness, Unity
Transcends: Fear
Loyalty
The quality or state of being loyal
Complements: Honesty, Trust
Transcends: Betrayal
Optimistic
Having or showing hope for the future; expecting good things to happen
Complements: Hope, Joyfulness
Transcends: Pessimism
Patience
The ability to wait for a long time without becoming annoyed or upset
Complements: Determination, Peace
Transcends: Frustration
Peace
A state of tranquility or quiet
Complements: Love, Serenity, Unity
Transcends: Anger, Cruelty
Perseverance
Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
Complements: Commitment, Determination, Resilience
Transcends: Laziness
Reliability
The quality or state of being reliable
Complements: Integrity, Loyalty
Transcends: Untrustworthy
Respect
An act of giving particular attention
Complements: Dignity, Reverence
Transcends: Inconsideration
Responsibility
The quality or state of being responsible as in moral, legal, or mental accountability
Complements: Courtesy, Tact, Trust
Transcends: Selfishness
Reverence
Honor or respect that is felt for or shown to (someone or something)
Complements: Respect, Worth
Transcends: Hatred
Sincerity
The quality or state of being sincere; honesty of mind
Complements: Authentic
Transcends: Disingenuous
Tact
A keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
Complements: Graciousness, Responsibility
Transcends: Clumsiness
Tolerance
Capacity to endure pain or hardship; sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own
Complements: Patience, Tenacious
Transcends: Narrow-mindedness
Trust
Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Complements: Loyalty, Respect
Transcends: Doubt, Skepticism
Truthfulness
Telling or disposed to tell the truth
Complements: Honesty, Faith, Trust
Transcends: Corruption, Deceit
Understanding
An agreement of opinion or feeling; adjustment of differences
Complements: Kindness, Tolerance
Transcends: Egoism
Unity
The quality or state of being made one
Complements: Harmony, Love, Peace
Transcends: Loneliness
Visionary
A thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination
Complements: Imagination, Leadership
Transcends: Lack of Inspiration
Wisdom
Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning; knowledge
Complements: Idealism, Visionary
Transcends: Lack of Intelligence
Bible Verse
Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
Proverbs 19:1 (NLT)
Additional Reading
The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett
Point of Reflection
“We value virtue but do not discuss it. The honest bookkeeper, the faithful wife, the earnest scholar get little of our attention compared to the embezzler, the tramp, the cheat.”
John Steinbeck