#  655 Everything Is Relative

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")