Personality traits are like raw material, intrinsically neutral.
Classifying any particular trait as positive or negative changes
according to the specific way it is employed by an individual in a
given situation. If you utilize each trait in its proper time and
place, then that trait is considered positive. But if you apply a
trait when it is inappropriate, it is considered negative.
For example, the positive trait of "generosity" can actually be
negative if it turns into smothering and stifling. On the other
hand, the negative trait of anger can be positive when used to
fight against evil and injustice
(see Rabbi Yosef Hurwitz of Nevardok - Madraigos Haadam -
Birur Hamidos; Rabbi Pliskin's "Consulting the Wise")
See more Daily Lifts on the topic of
Character traits
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About the Author
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Rabbi Zelig Pliskin is a noted psychologist and prolific author of 24 books, including Guard Your Tongue, Gateway to Happiness, Gateway to Self Knowledge, Love Your Neighbor, Growth Through Torah, The Power of Words, Consulting the Wise, and the recent Life is Now. Rabbi Pliskin lives in Jerusalem, and is the director of Aish HaTorah's Counseling Center and a senior lecturer at Aish's Essentials program and the Executive Learning Center. He was ordained at the Telshe Yeshiva in Ohio and holds a degree in Counseling Psychology.