Love of Learning
"I am motivated to acquire new levels of knowledge, or deepen my existing knowledge or skills in a significant way."
Become Aware Of Your Strength
What is Love of Learning?
Love of learning means a passion for learning, a desire to learn just for learning’s sake. In fact, curiosity and love of learning are among the most closely related strengths in the VIA Classification. They can still be distinguished though. While curiosity is the motivating force that leads you to seek out new information, love of learning refers to the desire to hold on to and deepen that information.
The curious person is motivated by the pursuit of knowledge; the person who loves learning is motivated by the expansion of their fund of knowledge. Where curiosity is often associated with a great deal of energy and a drive to gather information, the lover of learning is often more contemplative. Love of learning describes the way in which a person engages new information and skills.
Love of learning is a strength that teachers would like to see in their students, parents want to encourage in their children, therapists support in their clients, and employers try to foster in their employees. It has important motivational consequences because it helps people persist through challenges, setbacks and negative feedback.
Love of Learning is a strength within the virtue category of wisdom, one of six virtues that subcategorize the 24 strengths. Wisdom describes strengths that help you gather and use knowledge. The other strengths in Wisdom are creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, and perspective.
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Where does love of learning appear in your character strengths profile?
Research findings indicate that the strength of love of learning leads to the development of a deeper base of knowledge, enhancing competency and efficacy. Love of learning has also been associated with healthy, productive aging. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Love of Learning
- What does the Love of Learning strength mean?
Love of Learning is one of the 24 character strengths in the VIA Classification. It reflects a passion for learning new ideas, skills, or information, not for external rewards, but for the personal satisfaction it brings. It’s about developing your character through knowledge and growth.
- How is Love of Learning different from Curiosity?
The curiosity character strength is about the desire to explore and discover things you don't yet know. Love of Learning goes a step further—it's the motivation to deepen that knowledge and build mastery over time. While curiosity drives interest, Love of Learning creates lasting engagement with the subject.
- Why is Love of Learning considered a strength of wisdom?
This strength falls under the virtue of Wisdom, which includes positive traits that help you use knowledge for good. Along with creativity, curiosity, judgment, and perspective, Love of Learning enables you to apply what you know to improve your life and others’—at school, at work, and in social settings.
- What are the benefits of having a strong Love of Learning?
People with a strong Love of Learning often report greater achievement, increased happiness, and more meaningful experiences. This strength supports mental agility, helps regulate emotions, and contributes to sustained engagement with challenges, even after setbacks.
- Can I develop or strengthen my Love of Learning?
Yes! Like all 24 character strengths, Love of Learning can be nurtured. Start by identifying things that genuinely spark your interest, and set small, manageable goals. Whether you’re picking up a new skill, exploring a topic you value, or diving deeper into a subject, the key is to focus on your growth, not perfection.
- How can I recognize Love of Learning in others?
People high in this strength often express positive feelings toward challenges that help them grow. They might read in their spare time, ask deep questions, or pursue personal projects with passion. They find value in expanding their minds and often light up when discussing what they’re currently learning.
- How can I apply Love of Learning in everyday life?
Incorporate small opportunities for growth—read a book on a topic you love, watch an educational video, or reflect on new experiences. Whether at school, home, or work, this strength can help you stay motivated, resilient, and engaged with positive goals.