History of the Virtues

The Virtues Project was founded in 1991 by three concerned individuals who made a commitment to do something to counteract the rising violence among families and youth. Linda Kavelin-Popov, her husband Dr. Dan Popov and her brother John Kavelin researched the world's diverse sacred traditions and they discovered something simple and profound.

At the heart of all spiritual traditions are 360 virtues described as the essence of the human spirit and the content of our character. A guide containing fifty-two of these universal virtues was published to help parents bring out the best in their children and in themselves.

Since its inception, many books and other resources have been published to help and inspire educators, businesses, and governments implement the practice of virtues in everyday life. The Project has grown into a global grassroots network of diverse individuals, organisations, schools, and communities in more than 95 countries.

The Virtues Project is not about the practices or beliefs of any one religion. It is sourced in the teachings about virtues found in the sacred traditions of all cultures. Its purpose is to support all people, both those who are religious and those who are not, to awaken the virtues of their character.

The mission of The Virtues Project is to inspire people of all cultures to remember who we really are and to live by our highest values and was honored by the United Nations during the International Year of the Family as a "model global program for families of all cultures".

You can find out more about The Virtues Project by visiting their official website.

The 52 Virtues