The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental organization devoted to building a better world. The OECD works on solutions to a wide range of social, economic and environmental challenges.

https://www.oecd.org/

As an advocate f...

A difficult challenge in a person’s life will test their virtues. A difficult global challenge will test the virtues of the world’s people, particularly those in leadership. The Covid-19 pandemic has tested virtues individually and globally.

In the 44 Virtues book, the first virtue listed is Health-mindedness. An individual learns from a serious illness that having good health i...

Will future generations look back to these years and thank us, or will they feel we did not do enough? For some of you, this question may spark thoughts of handling climate change. Going deeper, their opinion will probably rest on the overall quality of life. Future generations have the primary responsibility for making the most of their lives, but it would be wrong to downplay our role in shaping the world they will face.

“Futur...

During the past few weeks, I have been attempting to prioritize the problems facing the planet. One reason is to determine how I might best spend my time available for volunteer work. When we say “volunteer work,” the image of involvement in the local community may come to mind for many. However, there is a wide variety of ways to volunteer.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that about

God can be defined in many ways. For the sake of this discussion, let’s say there is a God, or a God-like force, with a plan for mankind, or at least a hope for how the future of the planet might unfold. Even if you are an atheist, the primary message offered here should not be adverse to your way of thinking. Reason suggests that if such a plan of a higher intelligence exists, it might involve mankind learning and practicing virtues.

Some people associate virtues wit...

Every crisis or tragedy has its lessons. What are the lessons of the Boston bombings?

When an individual experiences a crisis or tragedy, there is often a period of self-reflection that follows. This can also occur on a national level. Sandy Hook brought attention to gun control issues. After the collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh, we as a nation were a...

The Sandy Hook tragedy is an indication of the need for change. Gun control is obviously one issue. Another that is rarely discussed is the need for effective character education programs in schools. Some character education programs have been tested and found to be ineffective. We are certainly not seeing the results in society that should be expected of a well-designed and widely distributed program.  

I am putting together a team to develop what I envision to be a v...

If you look over the list of 44 Virtues, you will find that it takes almost all the Virtues, to one degree or another, to achieve enlightened wealth. The same is true for achieving Wisdom and Love. For maintaining good Health, it helps to have financial security (enlightened wealth) and good judgment (Wisdom). A reasonable conclusion is that practicing all 44 Virtues is necessary to achieve the life goals of Health, enlightened wealth, Wisdom and true happiness (Love). (Virtues capitalized.)

"Enlightened wealth" is wealth ethically earned and wisely used.

If you are faced with a difficult decision, try reviewing the list of the 44 Virtues. One or more of the Virtues will be “in play.” The best decision is found by weighing the Virtues that impact the situation. Honesty in balancing in and among the Virtues is key.