Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Commentaries”
It is a pity that the legacy of the great painter/illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) has faded. His images, mostly on magazine covers, were humorous, sentimental, even corny, but they still evoke in irrepressibly warm feelings. His images also powerfully conveyed important truths about human dignity and American values but here I want to share a collection of many of his …
In a lovely essay*, Jean Gietzen wrote about a family experience in 1943. It was just before Christmas in North Dakota and her family had just bought a nativity set with small figurines. But Jean’s mother was deeply disturbed to discover the set included an extra Baby Jesus. “Go back to the store,” she instructed, “and tell the manager to put …
KEEPING CHRISTMAS: A PRESCRIPTION FOR A BETTER WORLD. Whether you are a Christian or not, Henry Van Dyke‘s concept of “Keeping Christmas,” written in 1905, is worth reading and following: It is a good thing to observe Christmas day. The mere making of times and seasons when men agree to stop work and make merry together, is a wise and …
I confess my irrepressible sense of optimism was repressed quite a bit by an election process that I found deplorable in so many ways. You can see my assessment of the year from an ethical perspective on the Conan Nolan show airing in Southern California on Channel 4 NBC at 9:am on Christmas morning (will anyone watch?). Nevertheless, I will not …
Buy one or a dozen books to experience and share Michael’s cogent, wise and warm words. Please help us heal the world by a donation or purchase. See our Accomplishments 2016 and our Goals and Priorities for 2017 Michael Josephson’s classic booklet “Making Ethical Decisions” (its assigned reading at some universities) is only $10 a piece. You can buy five for $39 or …
These are tumultuous times, and from a character and ethics point of view, it seems that the challenges are mounting. This makes the need for the Institute’s pro-active and practical efforts to improve the ethical quality of society greater than ever. Your financial support will help us with these priorities for 2017: Reduce physical and cyber bullying in schools. Introduce faith-based versions …
Here are some of our major accomplishments in 2016: CHARACTER COUNTS! School Climate. Developed a comprehensive new structure, training materials and resources to create a Positive School Climate and create a culture of kindness to enhance academic achievement and eliminate violence and bullying. Student Journals. Created Way-to-Go Journal student workbooks and a complete revised School Agenda-Student Planner keyed to the Common Core and the Josephson Institute’s, Model Standards for Academic, …
Perhaps the only major advantage of getting older is the prospect of getting wiser. I think I’ve learned a great many things over the years but here are a dozen of my most treasured insights. I am still a work in process; that as long as I can think I can learn. I still have a lot to learn but if …
You are entitled to be sad and to grieve but don’t sabotage yourself or your relationships with negativity. Even the most sympathetic and loving friend gets exhausted by energy-draining self-pity.
Attitudes are contagious, are yours worth catching?
When life gets tough, remember, you are tougher. You have within you all the strength you need to overcome any obstacle to happiness and success.
Leadership is not a matter of authority, it is a matter of influence. A true leader teaches others to understand more, motivates them to be more and inspire them to become more. – Michael Josephson. It seems
“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
What’s behind the dark glasses? Are you who you appear to be? Are you who you want to be? Are you becoming all you can be?
BE AUTHENTIC. “Reject all that is fake – fake friends, fake emotions, fake ambitions – to please or impress others. Reject pretenses, deceptions and every other form of dishonesty. Insist on and give nothing less than truth, sincerity and candor.” – Michael Josephson
Abe was fiercely independent, even at age 85, but after a mild stroke his son insisted he move in with him. Abe missed going to
“A friend knows the song in your heart and sings it to you when your memory fails.” – Donna Roberts
A good friend licks your face when you are sad.
During a seminar on ethics in the workplace, participants spoke about a wide array of unethical conduct they’d recently witnessed. They talked about
Don’t let old grudges and resentments hold you back. Break the chain, throw it away and move on to a better future. Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself so you can be free.
Your whole life is in front of you. Now is the time! There is so much to see and do! Explore life! Expand your horizons – travel, read, try new things!
In my lifetime, I’ve had the good fortune of having a handful of good friends. Each of my four teenage daughters have many hundreds. At least that’s what they call
Of all the things I do for the Josephson Institute, raising money is the most uncomfortable. I’ve had to accept, however, that public support is a critical aspect of our ability to help improve the ethical quality of society, an audacious (if not arrogant) ambition. Shortly after I became a father for the first time (I now have five exceptional …
Buy one or a dozen books to experience and share Michael’s cogent, wise and warm words. Only $10 for his booklet “Making Ethical Decisions” Only $15 for a beautiful hard cover book of some of your favorite essays in “The Best is Yet to Come.” And if you really want to help make a donation of $25 with your …
“Today’s news is tomorrow’s history. The only way to get to the top and stay on top is to keep learning.” – Michael Josephson
Sarah’s mom agreed to let her 16-year-old go to a party if she promised to be home by midnight. But as the Cinderella hour approached, Sarah did a quick risk/reward calculation. She knew her mom would be angry and probably ground her, but she was having so much fun she decided it was worth it. Sure enough, when she got …
Support, encourage, advise, listen and console with love and kindness. Experience gratification in
