Share
×
Inspirational Quotes
Authors
Professions
Topics
Tags
Quote
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
Michael Josephson
Share
Change background
T
T
T
Change font
Original
TAGS & TOPICS
Michael Josephson
Age: 81
Born: 1942
Born: December 10
Motivational Speaker
Philosopher
Interest
Ethics
Doesn
Interests
Self
Requires
Life
Charity
Demand
Sacrifice
Difference
Ignore
Differences
Require
More quotes by 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
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
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
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
Success comes in cans. Failures comes in can'ts.
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
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
The key to success is effort. The bigger the goal, the greater the effort.
Michael Josephson
It's a great joy but no test of love or commitment to take your son to a ball game. You really prove your credentials as a good dad when you are willing to take your daughter shopping - more than once.
Michael Josephson
Surround our children with a message of honor
Michael Josephson
What will matter in the end is not what you bought but what you built not what you got but what you gave not what you learned by what you taught. What will matter is not your competence but your character.
Michael Josephson
Gratitude is most treasured when it is unexpected. When we expect, even demand gratitude, we treat it simply as payment due for some service we rendered and we squeeze any good feeling out of it.
Michael Josephson
If you pay too much attention to your reputation, you could lose your character.
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
America is a song that sounds the best when we all sing together - at least for a while.
Michael Josephson
Everything you do sends a message about who you are and what you value.
Michael Josephson
I am not and never will be perfect. I am not always as honest, respectful, responsible, fair or as kind as I should be. All I can do is what I should do: strive every day, with every decision to be the best person I can be. I don’t expect to be perfect but I know I can be better.
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
Don't let others define you. Don't let the past confine you. Take charge of your life with confidence and determination and there are no limits on what you can do or be.
Michael Josephson
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