“The Science of Character,” video by Tiffany Shlain
In this video, Tiffany Shlain talks about how science has
proven that within each of our prefrontal cortex’ lies a capacity to change and
develop our character for a more meaningful, prosperous life. This positive
attitude adjustment to do with self-improvement is not unlike Carol Dweck’s
prescription for being a more resilient and productive person in an academic
context, something she calls “Growth Mindset.” Shlain points out that across
all cultures, these core virtues are commonly agreed upon: wisdom, courage, humanity,
justice, temperance, and transcendence. The traits or qualities that make up
each of these core virtues Shlain calls “strengths,” which she says each person
has a unique combination of. The traits I myself am “high” in, I would say
include gratitude, forgiveness, perspective, and love. However, I’m often “low”
in bravery, perseverance, enthusiasm, and some others. This framework for
understanding our own innermost workings is apparently an ancient concept that
the Buddha and some of our greatest philosophers like Plato and Socrates have
pondered in the past. She reminds us to sometimes say “to hell with the hustle”
in this day and age that focuses primarily on one's output, and to realize that the
best project we can work on is within ourselves. I loved this quote she
included and have heard it before: “Watch your thoughts: they become words,
watch your words: they become actions, watch your actions: they become habits,
watch your habits: they become your character, watch your character: it becomes
your destiny.” How deep! Then she advocates for the big seven character strengths that
social science deems critical for happiness according to studies to do with
academic achievement and overall emotional contentedness: optimism, gratitude, social
intelligence, curiosity, self-control, enthusiasm, and grit. So, I’m about 4-5/7,
only around 2-3 away from being the best person I can possibly be!
(Image Source: Unspalsh Free Images)
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