Prudence
"I act carefully and cautiously, looking to avoid unnecessary risks and planning with the future in mind.”
Become Aware Of Your Strength
What is Prudence?
Prudence means being careful about your choices, stopping and thinking before acting. It is a strength of restraint. When you are prudent, you are not taking unnecessary risks, and not saying or doing things that you might later regret. If you are high in prudence, you are able to consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Prudence is a form of practical reasoning, the ability to examine the potential consequences of your actions objectively, and to control yourself based on that examination.
Prudence involves far-sighted planning as well as short-term, goal-directed planning. It is often referred to as cautious wisdom, practical wisdom, and practical reason. It is a way of thinking that supports individuals in making positive choices that lead to meaningful goals and avoid regret. It helps you choose wisely, discern the right path, and decide how to act in the face of uncertainty or fear.
Which Virtue Is This Strength?
Prudence is a strength within the virtue category of temperance, one of six cardinal virtues that subcategorize the 24 character strengths. Temperance describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess. The other traits in Temperance are forgiveness, humility, prudence, and self-regulation skills.
Temperance
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Research findings on the benefits of the strength of prudence found that prudence is associated with productivity and the ability to be conscientious. This strength helps you to avoid the mishaps of life, both physical and psychological. It can help you feel more in control, especially in moments of doubt or fear, and allow you to make decisions that support your values and long-term goals. Using your strengths is one way to deepen your experience, improve your qualities, and ultimately achieve a more intentional and meaningful life. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
Learn More