Michael Josephson
1942–present
Person“People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world, but because they refuse to be changed by the world.”
Michael Josephson represents the finest tradition of American ethical leadership and character education. Born in Brooklyn in 1942, Josephson built a distinguished career as a law professor before recognizing a critical need for renewed moral instruction in our nation. Leaving his successful career in legal education, he founded the Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics to champion the principles that built American greatness. In 1992, Josephson created CHARACTER COUNTS!, a transformative movement that restored character education to American schools and institutions. Through the Six Pillars of Character—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship—he articulated timeless values essential to individual and national success. Recognized as one of America’s most sought-after ethicists, Josephson has advised thousands of leaders across business, government, and law enforcement. His work reminds us that true prosperity depends on moral character and that lasting achievement flows from integrity, responsibility, and respect for our fellow citizens.