The Power of Character: Prominent Americans Talk about Life, Family, Work, Values, and More

Josephson Institute of Ethics

In this unique collection of essays, over forty distinguished Americans share their perspectives on the meaning of character in family, life, community, and work. There is no higher praise we can give people than to say they have good character. But what, really, does that mean? What makes this quality so essential to achieving personal success and fulfillment? More important, how can we build our own character and live more satisfying lives?

Reflecting society's diversity, the contributing authors speak from various cultural and professional backgrounds to share their observations on living with integrity, honesty, and compassion. This select group includes best-selling authors, educators, journalists, artists, business executives, political leaders, attorneys, and media figures. From Dan Rather of CBS, radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger, and author Arianna Huffington to management expert Stephen R. Covey, attorney Alan M. Dershowitz, and sports commentator John Naber, the contributors explore how character and ethics shape our destinies. For a better home and work life, they call for the cultivation of character-- in ourselves, in our co-workers, in our neighbors, and in our children. Their stories will inspire readers to explore character as a means of building better personal lives, and a better world.

MICHAEL S. JOSEPHSON is the founder and president of the Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics and of the Character Counts! Coalition. One of the nation's most sought-after ethicists, he also consults with Fortune 100 companies and hosts a daily radio program in Los Angeles. WES HANSON is vice president and director of publications at the Josephson Institute. A career journalist, he is also the editor of Ethics in Action and of various teaching materials and websites.