My 12th Anniversary 572.2
The image of spreading light is a powerful metaphor for both warmth and wisdom that inspires and motivates people who want to be a positive influence in the world.
It is captured in the proverb urging us to light a candle rather than curse the darkness and in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s observation that “When a great man dies/For years beyond our ken/The light he leaves behind him/Lies upon the paths of men.”
There are two ways to bring light: ignite a flame that creates it or be a mirror that reflects it. As I begin today, my 12th year broadcasting these 90-second editorials, I acknowledge with both pride and humility the privilege to be both a candle and a mirror as I quote frequently from the profound thoughts of poets, philosophers, and others and invent or retell stories and parables.
That’s what a teacher does. I know from my mail that I irritate, and even infuriate, some of you – especially when I venture into an area thought to be political. I’ve been called “too liberal,” “too conservative,” “too religious,” “too secular,” “too righteous,” “too naïve,” and “just plain wrong.”
Fortunately, the sting of these accusations is soothed by occasional notes telling me that someone was inspired, encouraged, fortified, or comforted by something I said.
But my highest sense of satisfaction comes when I induce one of you to make an honest, objective, and rigorous self-examination of your character or most deeply held beliefs. Complacency about our own virtue and the tendency to confuse the intensity of our beliefs with the likelihood that we’re right are forms of self-righteousness that, along with ignorance and irrationality, perpetuate darkness in the absence of light.
Thank you for the honor of considering my thoughts, and please keep telling me what you think.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
Happy Anniversary, Michael!
I only discovered your editorials a few months ago and they are the highlight to the beginning of my day. I don’t always agree with your views and may often be somewhat abrasive with my comments (I’m working on that), but your commentaries ALWAYS make me think. And they make me try harder to see how others view things. Now, they’re usually wrong – but I’m working on that, too! haha
I try to teach morals and ethics to the youths I coach and your topics have increased my collection. Some of the older kids were beginning to roll their eyes when I trotted out a repeat story. They are probably more thankful I found your daily column than I am!
You have America on the right track. Keep up the great work! I hope I’m around to celebrate your 25th anniversary!
Posted by: James | June 23, 2008 5:48 PM
a big 'congrats' and equally big 'thank you' for all the segments on the radio as i drove home after a grueling 14 hrs working in jail and often wondering 'am i making a difference'...'can i be better and do better for my fellow man, be it inmate or colleague or myself?' and a resounding 'yes'..i am a better person today than last year and i owe it to the provocative soul-searching topics you present. the lessons are not always easy but doable. i am a creature of habit and old habits require daily work. continued success.
Posted by: cookie | June 24, 2008 8:05 AM
Congratulations on your anniversary, and thank you for the insight you have provided these past years. Each day I struggle just a bit with character and integrity issues trying to make myself a better person. It isn't always an easy task and many times I'm not sure where the answers to my questions will come from. Posted around my work cubicle are a number of quotations from your commentaries that provide guidance or serve as simple reminders of the concepts that are important to keep in mind. It's difficult to remove the emotion and be reasoning, a concept that I preach as an instructor, but it's the key to looking at things clearly and following a path of integrity. I'm still working on it. Please keep helping me.
Posted by: Thom | June 26, 2008 3:28 PM
You have made a huge difference in my life. Thanks for reinforcing all the values I have in my heart. Knowing you have them also keeps me on the right path!
Posted by: julie | June 26, 2008 7:26 PM
Years ago, I'd happen to catch your brief comments on KNX Radio and I'd think: Wow! Somebody's standing up for values and good character---and the station is actually airing it! Years later, I'm proud to say that as a public school educator I'm not only allowed, but encouraged, to teach kids about Michael Josephson's pillars of character. Why? Because the lines have become fuzzy between what's honest, fair, respectful and trustworthy, and what's not. As you celebrate an anniversary, I'd like to say thanks for reminding us all how to stay on the right path as human beings and be proud of it.
Posted by: Mimsie | June 26, 2008 10:28 PM
I have enjoyed reading your inspirational stories. Thanks for opening your life experiences to others who can benefit greatly from them. The quality of our lives is improved when we are exposed to these positive messages and can act on them.
Posted by: julie | June 27, 2008 10:58 AM
I want to pass along to you my congratulations for everything you have accomplished over these 12 years. I look forward to your commentaries every week and want to tell you what a difference it has made in my life. I'm far (very far) from perfect, but my conscience now speaks to me much louder than ever before and I find myself much more aware of the ethical ramifications of my actions. Thank you Michael -
Posted by: John | June 27, 2008 12:27 PM
Your words are inspiring and your wrist bands have become a sign of appreciation to my students. I give them to those I want to honor for a good action, sometimes under adverse conditions.
May you live to see many more anniversaries and lots of thank you letters!
Cordially,
Katharina
Posted by: Katharina | June 28, 2008 3:09 AM
Congratulations on all you have accomplished in these 12 years. I am a beauty salon owner and had a big walkout about three years ago. I had to hire some hair dressers or go under. I was so done with selfish people so I decided to go on your beliefs. I hired a wonderful mix of professionals who are honest, hard-working people who would never do anything to hurt anyone else. One of my ex-employees asked to come back, and I finally stood up for myself and said NO. She was shocked because she thought I would hire her back because she makes a lot of money and didn't think I would turn her down. Today, character is the first thing I look for in a person. Thank you for all you have given me.
Posted by: Patty Hardy | June 29, 2008 12:21 AM
Just want to express how I feel after being off line for over two months. I did put my radio alarm to go on before you come on KNX.
I missed the Commentaries so much. I used to read what I could, then save them for later. I am far behind, but I write what I want to save and delete them, but I still have dozens to catch up to.
I am a very active retired lady (78 in 2 months) and I sail my 34 ft. sailboat, go to dixieland jazz festivals, dixieland jazz clubs, dixieland jazz cruises, and dance when my husband is not playing his clarinet in a band.
Sometimes I want to slow down, but I feel what I would miss if I did. I see people who just wilt away when they age. I do believe I will be like the lady in the e-mail statement: I'll go sliding into heaven on a crest, saying it was a great life!!
Thanks for being there, and I'm glad you are back.
Posted by: Barbara | July 2, 2008 5:47 PM
Mr. Josephson,
Happy Anniversary! I look forward to your commentary every day. The word inspire fills me very deeply. I want to share it with everyone I meet, but it's not always that easy to do in this beautiful world of ours. People can be mean, and you have to remember what's right and what's wrong. I have many written reminders in various locations, all instilling the feeling of "today might be your last day, so live it to the fullest". However, life can be so busy, and you forget what really matters! I try to remember to grab time out of every day to speak to my children about the importance of being good to people and to always be the bigger person and love everyone you meet. However, these days, with all that's going wrong in our world, I have to remember to talk to the kids about many things, i.e. daily safety tips, not talking to strangers, etc.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the priceless gift you are giving in your daily life-changing words. When I forget to tell the kids how important it is to remember to care, remember to share, and treat others as you want to be treated, you remind them for me!!! I thank you every day that you remind me!!! They listen to your words; even my 2-year-old son listens to you! It's never too early to create a good human being!
I hope your words travel to as many people as possible. Thank you.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 11, 2008 10:52 PM