Michael Josephson
Biography of Michael Josephson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Michael Steven Josephson
Common Aliases: Michael Josephson
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: December 10, 1942
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Ethicist, Educator, Speaker, Author
Early Life and Background
Michael Josephson was born on December 10, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse city, Josephson was exposed to a multitude of cultures and ideas that would later influence his work in ethics and education. His parents instilled in him the values of integrity and responsibility, which became the cornerstone of his life's work. Josephson pursued higher education with a fervent interest in law and ethics, eventually earning a law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His academic journey laid the foundation for his future endeavors in promoting ethical behavior and decision-making.
Major Accomplishments
Michael Josephson is best known for founding the Josephson Institute of Ethics in 1987, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the ethical quality of society by changing personal and organizational decision-making and behavior. Under his leadership, the institute developed the CHARACTER COUNTS! program, which has been implemented in thousands of schools across the United States, impacting millions of students. This program emphasizes the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Josephson's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of ethics. His influence extends beyond education, as he has consulted with corporations, government agencies, and professional sports organizations to promote ethical practices.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Michael Josephson's notable works is his role as a commentator on ethics for CBS Radio, where his insights reached a national audience. His commentaries, known as "Character Counts," provided listeners with thought-provoking reflections on ethical dilemmas and moral choices in everyday life. These segments were widely appreciated for their clarity and relevance, making complex ethical concepts accessible to the general public.
Josephson is also the author of several books and articles on ethics and character development. His writings serve as valuable resources for educators, leaders, and individuals seeking to cultivate ethical behavior in themselves and others. Through his publications, Josephson has established himself as a leading voice in the discourse on ethics and character education.
Impact and Legacy
Michael Josephson's impact on ethics education is profound and enduring. The CHARACTER COUNTS! program has become a benchmark for character education, influencing curricula and policies in schools nationwide. By focusing on universal values, Josephson has helped create a common language for discussing ethics, bridging cultural and ideological divides.
His work has also left a lasting legacy in the corporate and professional sports worlds, where ethical lapses can have significant consequences. By advocating for integrity and accountability, Josephson has contributed to a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility in various sectors.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Michael Josephson is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to distill complex ethical principles into clear, actionable guidance. His quotes often emphasize the importance of character and integrity, resonating with individuals seeking to navigate moral challenges in their personal and professional lives. Josephson's insights are frequently cited in discussions on ethics, leadership, and character development, underscoring his influence as a thought leader in these fields.
His legacy is not only in the programs and initiatives he created but also in the countless individuals who have been inspired by his teachings to lead more ethical lives. Michael Josephson's work continues to inspire and guide those committed to fostering a more ethical and just society.
Quotes by Michael Josephson
Michael Josephson's insights on:
Beware of people who constantly assert their integrity and honor. People of character don’t have to point it out.
There is no objective criteria for either success or failure. People who achieve their goals are successful, those who don’t are not.
It isn’t the absence of conscience or values that prevents us from being all we should be, it is simply the lack of moral courage.
Ordinary people, even weak people, can do extraordinary things through temporary courage generated by a situation. But the person of character does not need the situation to generate his courage. It is a part of his being and a standard approach to all life’s challenges.
Character – We describe the character of a person in reference to moral judgments about the worthiness of a person. Thus, to have a strong, great or honorable character is to be a person of merit, worthy of admiration and honor.
Our expectation of the gratitude of others for what we’ve done for them is sometimes exaggerated because of our deep desire for appreciation and approval. When our good work or good deeds go unrewarded by hoped for praise, we feel like failures so we treat those who denied us our due as betrayers.
Ethics doesn’t require us to ignore our self-interests or demand a life of self-sacrifice. It requires that we know the difference between what we want and what we should do.