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.
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.
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Where does prudence appear in your character strengths profile?
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.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Prudence
- How is prudence measured in the VIA Character Strengths Profile?
Prudence is assessed through your responses to the VIA Survey, which evaluates how often and how naturally you use each strength in your daily life. Your score reflects your tendency to think ahead, avoid unnecessary risks, and consider long-term outcomes when making decisions.
- What does it mean if prudence is one of my top strengths?
If prudence ranks high in your profile, you likely take a thoughtful, cautious approach to life. You tend to plan ahead, avoid impulsivity, and act in ways that align with your long-term goals and values. This strength supports good judgment and responsible decision-making. You can deepen your understanding of prudence and other signature strengths by exploring our personality report options for further insights into how prudence plays a role in your character.
- What if prudence is a lesser strength for me?
If prudence is lower in your strengths profile, it doesn’t mean you lack it altogether. Instead, it might not come as naturally to you, or it may not be something you use often. You can intentionally develop prudence through small habits like pausing before acting or considering consequences more carefully.
- How can I apply prudence more intentionally in my life?
Use your VIA Character Strengths Profile to identify situations where prudence could be helpful, like setting goals, managing risk, or navigating conflict. You can also pair prudence with other strengths (like perspective or self-regulation) to improve planning, reduce impulsivity, and support wise decision-making.
- Can prudence be overused?
Yes—like all strengths, prudence can become a barrier if overused. Excessive caution may lead to indecisiveness or missed opportunities. The key is to find a balanced expression of the strength that supports action without reckless risk-taking. Understanding the dynamic of your full strengths profile, available through the VIA Reports, will help you maintain that balance.
- How does prudence interact with other character strengths?
Prudence often works alongside strengths like self-regulation, judgment, and perspective. Understanding these relationships through your VIA Profile can help you make more informed choices and develop a more intentional approach to challenges and goals.