WORTH READING: THE ASPEN DECLARATION. In July 1992, the Josephson Institute of Ethics hosted a summit in Aspen, Colorado bringing together ethicists, educators and youth-service professionals to identify shared ethical values that could be the foundation of character education programs. The result was the Aspen Declaration, the seminal document for the CHARACTER COUNTS! movement which presently engages about 7 million children and families worldwide. (click to see the Declaration)
Click to see 12′ x 25′ mural by Nadi Spencer at Monson Sultana School in Tulare County, CA
OBSERVATION: In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: “it goes on.” – Robert Frost
Life does go on. And the life that goes on must be lived until it is ripped from you or you surrender it, the life ahead has as many mysteries and miracles
OBSERVATION: The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who in time of moral crisis preserve their neutrality. – attributed to Dante
This quotation was frequently used by President Kennedy to make the point that on important moral issue it is wrong to sit on the fence and refuse to take a side. Martin Luther king, Jr. used a variation of the quote (“The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”). He added, “He who passively …
OBSERVATION: The precept ‘Judge not that ye be not judged’…is an abdication of moral responsibility. It is a moral blank check one gives to others in exchange for a moral blank check one expects for oneself. – Ayn Rand
When I graduated law school in 1967 it was popular to rail against people who made moral judgments. We called finger wagging moralists presuming to judge people and life styles as right or wrong “moral imperialists” and adopted, instead, a form of ethical relativism implying that there was no true universal right or wrong, just equally valid or invalid opinions. After all, we …
OBSERVATION: A Meditation From Voice of the Angels CD, by Cheryl Melody and Dyan Garris
In the midst of living life; in the midst of chaos; in the midst of endless lists of to-do’s and people to take care of, and little pieces of you going outward, I challenge you to shift your subconscious, to shift your attitude, and find three things to feel grateful for. Think about it and breathe it in and say: …
WORTH WATCHING: History of Thanksgiving Holiday
Do you know what the Pilgrims really ate at the first Thanksgiving feast? Did you know the idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday was the idea and obsession of the woman who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb”? Do you know what president picked the day and declared it a holiday?
COMMENTARY: I Always Have a Happy Thanksgiving 750.4
Thanksgiving is my holiday. I have nine brothers and sisters and a tradition evolved where one of us regularly hosts the family gathering at specific major holidays. Ever since my dad passed away, I became the impresario of our Thanksgiving gala, an event held in a rented tent in the backyard filled with 30-60 relatives and friends. Another part of …
WORTH WATCHING: Funny Interview: Things are Amazing But We’re Not Happy
Comedian Louis C.K. on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.
Appreciate the World
The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies, and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests and flowered fields. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it. — Michael Josephson
QUOTE: Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. — Voltaire
Read also, Michael Josephson’s commentary on Appreciating Appreciation.
WORTH READING: Learn more on how to identify and deal with toxic relationships and emotional vampires.
Life coach Cheryl Richardson describes six types of toxic qualities in people. The Blamer: This person likes to hear his own voice. He constantly complains about what isn’t working in his life, and yet gets energy from complaining and dumping his frustrations on you. The Drainer: This is the needy person who calls to ask for your guidance, support, information, advice or …
OBSERVATION: Forgiveness – Should you continue to forgive a person who continually does things that require forgiveness?
Whether to forgive and whether to stay in any sort of relationship are two very different questions. There are two types of forgiveness: One is to free the person who needs forgiveness from guilt, to let them off the hook, to give them a second chance. The other is to free yourself from the bonds of resentment so you can …
WORTH WATCHING: Teachers in Action
Great videos about Great Teachers. What Makes Great Teachers? ABC Special The character John Keating (played by Robin Williams) in Dead Poet’s Society The real Jaime Escalante (the teacher portrayed in the movie Stand and Deliver) on teaching:
OBSERVATION: There is no such thing as business ethics; there’s just ethics.
There are no exemptions from basic rules of honesty, respect, caring, and fairness just because money or careers are involved. Our private lives, our relationships, and the way we make a living are governed by the same moral principles. Don’t get caught up in rationalizations and pressures. In every setting we have the opportunity and obligation to be a good …
OBSERVATION: Moral courage can be more difficult than physical courage
Protecting others or doing one’s duty despite danger of injury is physical courage. Called bravery and valor, in battle or in public safety professions this form of courage is worthy of admiration. It’s often harder, however, to do what should be done in the face of disapproval, ridicule or risk to social status or career. This is moral courage, an …
WORTH WATCHING: Kindness (click to see slide show)
http://youtu.be/uvG1iVw8IjQ
WORTH READING: Friends
from Positive Outlooks
WORTH WATCHING: I’ve selected a few videos that convey on a deeper level than words the range of feelings – pride, patriotism, fear, boredom, pain and grief – associated with military service.
I hope you will take a few minutes to view them as your tribute to the men and women we owe so much. Watching them all will take less than 20 minutes.