Primary Virtue. Growth.

Creativity combines industry and imagination. When we are creative, we reach beyond what we or others have done before. We seek unfamiliar ideas, and we test some of them in the real world. We explore and take risks, knowing that not all new ideas will be valuable, but that some turn out to be priceless.

Often the best path to creativity is to play with possibilities, setting aside critical analysis till afterwards. Even so, the most fruitful creativity processes are informed by knowledge and skill. Informed creativity allows us to solve problems or follow dreams. It allows us to grow, as individuals and as a species, to shape a future that is different than the past.

Enthusiasm or passion means throwing ourselves into a relationship, goal, dream, or activity. It means casting aside worries or distractions and embracing instead the delights of the moment or the hope of success. Passion makes us feel fully alive. It is one of the roots of joy.

Passion lets us engage deeply in things that matter deeply. When we are passionate, we have more energy for our pursuits. Passion heightens our awareness and mental acuity. We become more physically adept. Passion feels risky because it exposes us to possible ridicule, rejection, or failure, but it also fills us with excitement and hope. Passion often is contagious, which makes it a great leadership quality Our enthusiasm is echoed in the hope and energy we stir around us.

Freedom or independence means that our lives are shaped by personal priorities rather than external constraints or social pressures. It means we are able to follow our own deepest values and exercise our judgment even when others disagree or disapprove.

To maintain freedom, we must recognize our natural human tendency to assimilate--to gradually conform our ideas to those of groups or leaders that we like.

Because group dynamics encourage conformity, independence can create situations that are uncomfortable. Though sometimes awkward, the presence of independent thinkers is a gift to all because it keeps a group from falling into shared illusion or error.

Reverence is a deep sense of respect for marvels that surround us and that brought us into existence. It is an awareness of ourselves as small beings in an order beyond the grasp of any single human mind.

Rather than rushing about impulsively, we watch and listen with a sense of humility, delight and wonder. We are careful to avoid hasty action that can destroy an intricate or delicate balance that inspires our awe.

Reverence calls us to service. When we have a mindset of reverence, it seem natural to use our life energy to preserve, honor and elevate something greater than ourselves.

Tenacity means continuing to work toward a goal even when it takes a long time or things get tough. Without persistence, obstacles stop us; with persistence we learn from our failures – we work with them and use them as stepping stones instead of barriers. Tenacity allows us to succeed where otherwise we might fail, because much of what matters in life requires sustained efforts and repeated attempts. The greater the accomplishment we seek, the more likely this is to be true. Tenacity in the service of a higher goal calls out many other virtues in us, because in order to persist we have to push ourselves beyond what is comfortable.