Perspective and Curiosity for Peace

This chapter examines how the universal character strengths of curiosity and perspective, as defined by the VIA Classification (Peterson & Seligman, Character strengths and virtues: A classification and handbook. Oxford University Press and American Psychological Association, 2004), intersect with the concepts of peace outlined in contemporary peace psychology literature (Christie, Journal of Social Issues 62:1–17, 2006; Cohrs et al., American Psychologist 68:590–600, 2013; Niemiec, The Journal of Positive Psychology 17:219–232, 2022). Peace, as defined by peace psychologists, encompasses dynamic psychosocial states at both individual and collective levels. It is characterized by both negative aspects (the absence of violence) and positive dimensions (such as harmony and equity). Curiosity, defined as a desire for knowledge and exploratory behavior, acts as a pathway to peace, connecting cognitive ability, openness, and extraversion with peace-related attitudes and behaviors. We propose that the Input–Process–Output approach, which connects character strengths with peace outcomes, presents only part of the picture. Instead, we suggest an Inputs–Mediators–Outcomes–Inputs approach to expand our understanding of whether positive peace constructs (or strengths) could serve as precursors to character development and personal flourishing through the full utilization of one’s innate abilities and traits. Could a context of peace inspire individuals to utilize their curiosity and perspective to explore and apply their inherent traits and abilities, creating a virtuous cycle that sustains a positive peace context? Practically, nurturing curiosity and perspective can be achieved through mindful engagement with character strengths, aligning with traditions of peacemaking from both Eastern and Western perspectives. By introducing a heuristic model that links inherited talents, character strengths, and proposed “peace strengths,” we lay the groundwork for peacebuilding.