Perspective
"I give advice to others by considering different (and relevant) perspectives and using my own experiences and knowledge to clarify the big picture."
Become Aware Of Your Strength
What is Perspective?
Perspective means the ability to see the bigger picture in life. Perspective is about being able to see the forest as well as the trees, to avoid getting wrapped up in the small details when there are bigger issues to consider. While listening to others, perspective helps you to simultaneously think about life lessons, proper conduct, and what’s best for the situation being discussed. This ability to look at systems as a whole, or to think in big terms, helps you to offer good advice. Perspective is distinct from intelligence but represents a high level of knowledge, the capacity to give advice, and to recognize and weigh multiple sides before making decisions. It allows the individual to address important questions about the conduct and meaning of life.
Perspective is a strength within the virtue category of wisdom, one of five 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 perspective appear in your character strengths profile?
Individuals with perspective are valued by others seeking counsel since those individuals help them see the big picture and alternative points of view. Perspective enables people to learn from mistakes and from the strengths of others. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Perspective
- Is perspective the same as wisdom?
Not exactly. Perspective is one of the 24 character strengths that fall under the virtue of wisdom. Wisdom includes strengths that guide how we gather and use knowledge. While wisdom is a broader category, perspective is a specific trait that influences how we interpret situations and offer insight. It’s one of the positive personality traits that helps shape our character.
- Can perspective be developed?
Yes. Perspective is not fixed—it’s a character strength you can strengthen through intentional practice. By reflecting on your experiences, listening to different viewpoints, and learning from the people and environments around you, you can broaden your understanding and deepen this trait. Research shows that regular use and reflection on your signature strengths can lead to measurable effects on well-being.
- How is perspective different from intelligence?
Intelligence is more about raw cognitive ability, while perspective is about seeing the broad view. It’s a strength rooted in character rather than IQ. Perspective helps you connect different dimensions of a situation, apply life knowledge, and understand how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. This function makes it particularly useful in guiding others and managing relationships.
- Why do others value people with high perspective?
People with strong perspective often become trusted voices because they consider multiple factors, weigh different sides, and approach challenges with clarity. Their appreciation of context, their ability to identify the important characteristics in complex situations, and their calm demeanor in emotionally charged moments make them especially valuable in personal and professional relationships.
- What kinds of situations call for perspective?
Perspective supports decision-making in moments that require both logic and empathy. Whether you’re offering advice, resolving conflict, or considering long-term effects, perspective helps you focus on what truly matters. It’s especially helpful in managing the dynamics of behavior and understanding how your actions impact others.
- How does the VIA Survey measure perspective?
The VIA Survey evaluates your unique profile across the 24 character strengths. Perspective, as one of these traits, reflects how you typically think, feel, and act. If it shows up high in your results, it means this strength is a natural part of your character and frequently shows up in your daily behavior. The survey is grounded in research on the core functions and effects of character strengths, offering insight into your personality traits beyond traditional models like agreeableness.
- Where can I find more about my character strengths?
You can explore your full profile—including how perspective shows up for you—by reviewing your personalized results from the VIA personality report. For a deeper look at how all your strengths work together, the 24 Character Strengths Test offers detailed insights and practical suggestions to help you apply them more effectively.