Stoic philosophy is considers virtuous living as the “sole good”; the main aim of life. The Stoic virtues include wisdom (understanding and acting in accordance with nature), justice (fairness and treating others rightly), courage (facing adversity with reason and resilience), and temperance (self-control and moderation). Stoics believed that by practicing these virtues, individuals could achieve eudaimonia, or a flourishing life, regardless of external circumstances. Virtue, therefore, is not merely a desirable trait, but the ultimate aim of life, providing inner peace and freedom from the disturbances of passions and external events.

In positive psychology, virtues are viewed as core characteristics valued across cultures, contributing to individual and collective wellbeing. The Values in Action (VIA) classification identifies six universal virtues which mirror those of the Stoics: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Each is comprised of various character strengths, such as creativity, bravery, kindness, fairness, self-regulation, and gratitude. The importance of virtues in positive psychology lies in their role in fostering flourishing, enhancing resilience, and promoting a sense of meaning and purpose. By cultivating these strengths, individuals can experience greater life satisfaction and contribute positively to their work, and communities.