Michael Josephson Quotes & Sayings

There's some wisdom and no moral deficiency to one who holds courage in reserve and uses it as a last resort. Before we take the kind of risks that require courage, we ought to exhaust other less risky alternatives. — Michael Josephson

At home, be grateful. At work, be appreciative. Gratitude is a gift we give ourselves. Appreciation is a gift we give to others. — Michael Josephson

Neither the intensity of your feelings nor the certainty of your convictions is any assurance that you are right. — Michael Josephson

Ethics is not for wimps. It's not easy being a good person. That's why it's such a lofty goal and an admirable achievement — Michael Josephson

You don't have to be sick to get better. — Michael Josephson

Authentic gratitude is much more rare and precious than expressions of gratitude which are often empty courtesies or simply tactical ploys to encourage further gifts or kindnesses. — Michael Josephson

America is a song that sounds the best when we all sing together - at least for a while. — Michael Josephson

Failure is much easier to handle if you just think of it as feedback to guide your next effort. — Michael Josephson

Our character is revealed by how we treat people who cannot help us or hurt us. — Michael Josephson

How many times do you get to lie before you are a liar? — Michael Josephson

A caring heart that listens is often more valued than an intelligent mind that talks. — Michael Josephson

Not everything that is good for you is fun and not everything that is fun is good for you. — Michael Josephson

Personal integrity is important, not because it gets us what we want, but because it helps us be what we want. — Michael Josephson

A person is said to have good character when their habits, dispositions and conduct reflect a deep commitment to ethical virtues and moral principles. — Michael Josephson

Character determines how we lead our lives, how we deal with life's unearned fortunes and misfortunes and how we make choices that determine how those fortunes and misfortunes work to make us what we become. — Michael Josephson

I am grateful for all those people who said no. It is because of them that I did it myself. Practice an attitude of gratitude. You can either be miserable dwelling on the troubles you have or grateful for the ones you don't have. Your troubles don't care but it makes a huge difference in your life. — Michael Josephson

A certain formula for an unhappy life is pursue someone else's definition of success. Until you define your own goals and purposes your life is not your own and there can be no sense of fulfillment no matter how much you achieve. — Michael Josephson

Good intentions are simply not enough. Our character is defined and our lives are determined not by what we want, say or think, but by what we do. — Michael Josephson

Some jobs require a more consistent challenge to moral courage than others. Politics is one. In such a setting terrifically good men and women will still be found wanting occasionally. No one does the right thing all the time. It would be more generous and fair to consider their batting average than to judge them only by their last worst act. — Michael Josephson

Ethics is doing more than the law requires and less than the law allows. — Michael Josephson

On a practical level, there are two vital steps to ethical behavior:
knowing what is right and doing it. — Michael Josephson

Never do anything for another with the expectation of gratitude. The expectation itself turns the gift into an exchange and suggests a debt is owed you. — Michael Josephson

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. — Michael Josephson

The opposite of success is not failure. Unsuccessful efforts are not failures unless they so discourage you that you abandon further efforts to achieve your goal. Even then, the venture or effort may be a failure but you are not. Failure is an event not a character trait. — Michael Josephson

Hire for character, train for skills. — Michael Josephson

Necessity is not merely the father of invention; it is the father of courage. — Michael Josephson

Honesty doesn't always pay, but dishonesty always costs. — Michael Josephson

To separate the purpose of a business from the purpose of people who are in the business is, I think, not a good thing. — Michael Josephson

Good character is the single most important attribute of a successful and worthy life. — Michael Josephson

To the barefoot man, happiness is a pair of shoes. To the man with old shoes, it's a pair of new shoes. To the man with new shoes, it's stylish shoes. And of course, the fellow with no feet would be happy to be barefoot. Measure your life by what you have not by what you don't. — Michael Josephson

The real test of character is whether you will do the right thing even when it costs more than you want to pay. — Michael Josephson

There are two sure ways to fail: never get started and quit before you succeed. Many companies promote the language of risk-taking and innovation but are so concerned with short term profit goals that their culture discourages innovation (trying new things) and abandons promising projects too soon. It shouldn't require exceptional moral courage to try new things and stick with them. — Michael Josephson

There is within you, waiting to be called, a great source of power called courage. Call its name and it will give you the strength to confront challenges despite fear and to continue and the heart to continue with bold confidence despite the pain of caused by tragedy. — Michael Josephson

One of the greatest things about daughters is how they adored you when they were little; how they rushed into your arms with electric delight and demanded that you watch everything they do and listen to everything they say. Those memories will help you through less joyous times when their adoration is replaced by embarrassment or annoyance and they don't want you to see what they are doing or hear what they are saying. And yet, you will adore your daughter every day of her life, hoping to be valued again, but realizing how fortunate you were even if you only get what you already got. — Michael Josephson

Physical courage to a person of honour is easier and less risky than acts that could subject him to embarrassment or humiliation or a diminished career or reputation. These things he must live with. To die for honor is an easier thought to bear. — Michael Josephson

Gratitude is a feeling not statement. It is so easy to say we are grateful that I often don't stop to really, really take the time to experience gratitude. Saying the words doesn't mean a thing without the feeling and it takes a moment of genuine reflection to summon that feeling. This Thanksgiving don't shortchange yourself with hollow words. — Michael Josephson

Go out there and do your part to change the world. You may not change all you had hoped but the world will be better for the caring demonstrated by your effort. — Michael Josephson

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters. — Michael Josephson

Many things in life are not fair but all things should be. — Michael Josephson

One key to success is demanding more than adequacy, never settling for good enough and always doing a little bit more. — Michael Josephson

It is not enough that we express our gratitude, we must experience it. We truly honor the must think about our blessings, separately and cumulatively It is not enough to count our blessings and express our gratitude if we don't truly feel grateful. — Michael Josephson

Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain integrity are pretty high, but the ultimate cost of moral compromise is so much higher. — Michael Josephson

The key to a better life: Complain less, appreciate more. Whine less, laugh more. Talk less, listen more. Want less, give more. Hate less, love more. Scold less, praise more. Fear less, hope more. — Michael Josephson

It can be frustrating and even frightening to observe the success which sometimes comes to outlaws and rogues who seem to refute notions of universal justice. Every time we see a villain enjoying the fruits of dishonorable acts we find ourselves doubting the value of character and the validity of the virtues we have been taught. Thus, it takes character to believe in character, but that belief is always rewarded, often by material success, but always by the esteem it earns from those who matter. — Michael Josephson

Don't ask whether it is going to be easy. Ask whether it is worth it. — Michael Josephson

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. — Michael Josephson

Everything you do sends a message about who you are and what you value. — Michael Josephson

If you are the boss it's wise to remember that there are lots of things you don't know and lots of people who hope you won't find out. — Michael Josephson

One problem with gratitude is that it competes with the sense of pride, self-reliance and accomplishment we have. We want to think what we have is the result of our efforts rather than the gifts, good turns and opportunities provided us by others. — Michael Josephson

Gratitude should be felt and experienced sincerely, expressed generously and received graciously. — Michael Josephson

What you allow, you encourage. — Michael Josephson

It's actually easier to truly become a person of good character than to persuade others we are what we are not. — Michael Josephson

The surest way to escape anxiety and defeat despair is action. Do, don't dwell. — Michael Josephson

Neither heredity nor environment determine character. But whether we give in to or overcome the negative messages we are exposed to as we wend our way through life is often determined by whether our parents, teachers, mentors and friends exposed us to good examples and morally inspiring ideas. — Michael Josephson

If one insists on calling all unsuccessful efforts failures the meaning of failure is really quite benign. When trying anything new or taking on any challenge, unsuccessful efforts are an essential aspect of skill building. — Michael Josephson

I think Samuel Johnson had it right when he observed that hope is itself a species of happiness. So if we want to be happy it only makes sense to discipline ourselves to choose our attitudes, to think positively and to be hopeful. — Michael Josephson

Surround our children with a message of honor — Michael Josephson

An ounce of action is worth a ton of good intentions. — Michael Josephson

For many of us gratitude to others comes with a sense of debt that can never be fully paid and therefore the things we are thankful for are never really ours. — Michael Josephson

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 inspires them to become more. — Michael Josephson

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for, not so we feel guilty about what we have that others don't, but to be genuinely grateful for our blessings. — Michael Josephson

When someone is nasty or treats you poorly, don't take it personally. It says nothing about you, but a lot about them. — Michael Josephson

A good coach improves your game. A great coach improves your life. — Michael Josephson

What a person says and does in ordinary moments when when no one is looking reveals more about true character than grand actions taken while in the spotlight. Our true character is revealed by normal, consistent, everyday attitudes and behavior, not by self-conscious words or deeds or rare acts of moral courage. — Michael Josephson

It is better to be unsuccessful pursuing a significant goal that being successful attaining an insignificant one. — Michael Josephson

A person of character seeks true happiness in living a life of purpose and meaning, placing a higher value on significance than success. — Michael Josephson

Character is both formed and revealed by how one deals with everyday situations as well as extraordinary pressures and temptations. Like a well-made tower, character is built stone by stone, decision by decision. — Michael Josephson

Creating a child takes no love or skill; being a parent requires lots of both. — Michael Josephson

Don't confuse fun with fulfillment, or pleasure with happiness. — Michael Josephson

Don't sacrifice a good life for a good time. — Michael Josephson

If you want to be happy, learn to be alone without being lonely. Learn that being alone does not mean being unhappy. The world is full of plenty of interesting and enjoyable things to do and people who can enrich your life. — Michael Josephson

Character is just another term for "good person." A person of character lives a worthy life guided by moral principles. A person of character is a good parent, a good friend, a good employee and a good citizen. — Michael Josephson

Our obligation to others and a gift to ourselves is to acknowledge and authentically express genuine appreciation for courtesies, caring and concern others have given us. — Michael Josephson

Someone who lies for you will also lie to you. The occasional benefit your business may gain from a successful deception or concealment is always outweighed by the encouragement it provides to those willing to risk trust for success. — Michael Josephson

No one is born with good character; it's not a hereditary trait. And it isn't determined by a single noble act. Character is established by conscientious adherence to moral values, not by lofty rhetoric or good intentions. — Michael Josephson

Experimenting with drugs is like target practice where your head is the bull's-eye. — Michael Josephson

Success comes in cans. Failures comes in can'ts. — Michael Josephson

Character is ethics in action. — Michael Josephson

The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields and sandy beaches. 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

Sportsmanship is the ethical and moral dimension of sports. It is demonstrated by a number of attributes and attitudes such as fair play, respect for the rules and traditions of the sport and various traits of good character including integrity (abiding by the letter and spirit of the rules and concepts of honor); demonstrated respect for others including teammates, opponents, officials and spectators; accountability, self-control, and graciousness in victory and defeat. — Michael Josephson

It is much more difficult to know what is fair than what is unfair — Michael Josephson

Gratitude is not a payment for a kindness but another form of gift. — Michael Josephson

Beware of people who constantly assert their integrity and honor. People of character don't have to point it out. — Michael Josephson

Yes and no are very powerful words. Mean them when you say them. Respect them when you hear them. — Michael Josephson

Values are good things only if they are good values. — Michael Josephson

Character is doing the right thing even when it costs more than you want to pay. When it comes to character, you dont have to be sick to get better. Its easier for a good person to get better than for a bad person to get good. — Michael Josephson

In life, we all get scored on every day. The wonderful thing is, if we do our best with courage and tenacity, we might be outscored but we can never be beaten. — Michael Josephson

The key to success is effort. The bigger the goal, the greater the effort. — Michael Josephson

Your life is your ship and you are the captain. Choose your course, take the wheel firmly and get on your way. — Michael Josephson

A person of character knows the difference between right and wrong and always tries to do the right thing for the right reason. — Michael Josephson

Success in anything important rarely comes without the Five Horsemen of Success: planning, effort, positivity, perseverance and resilience. — Michael Josephson

Whatever you do, make a difference. Earn the right to look back at something and say, 'I did that.' — Michael Josephson

If you pay too much attention to your reputation, you could lose your character. — Michael Josephson

Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. — Michael Josephson

When you compete with someone as good or better than you, you may not always win, but you never lose. — Michael Josephson

The only force that can sustain true and consistent courage is some form of spiritual belief that values like honor, duty, loyalty and integrity above the status, power, money and even security. — Michael Josephson

Lincoln described character is a tree and reputation as its shadow. The tree will always be what it is but the shadow we see depends on where we stand and the angle of the light. — Michael Josephson

Don't ask whether it's going to be easy. Ask whether it's going to be worth it. — Michael Josephson

Ethics is not about the way things are, it is about the way things ought to be. — Michael Josephson

If we keep treating our most important values as meaningless relics, that's exactly what they'll become. — Michael Josephson