Trustworthiness  |  Respect  |  Responsibility
Fairness  |  Caring  |  Citizenship

The Six Pillars of Character are ethical values to guide our choices. The standards of conduct that arise out of those values constitute the ground rules of ethics, and therefore of ethical decision-making.

There is nothing sacrosanct about the number six. We might reasonably have eight or 10, or more. But most universal virtues fold easily into these six. The number is not unwieldy and the Six Pillars of Character can provide a common lexicon. Why is a common lexicon necessary? So that people can see what unites our diverse and fractured society. So we can communicate more easily about core values. So we can understand ethical decisions better, our own and those of others. - Michael Josephson

Trustworthiness

• Be honest
• Don't deceive, cheat or steal
• Be reliable — do what you say you will do
• Have the courage to do the right thing
• Build a good reputation
• Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect

• Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule
• Be tolerant of differences
• Use good manners, not bad language
• Be considerate of the feelings of others
• Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone
• Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

• Do what you are supposed to do
• Persevere: keep on trying!
• Always do your best
• Use self-control
• Be self-disciplined
• Think before you act — consider the consequences
• Be accountable for your choices

Fairness

• Play by the rules
• Take turns and share
• Be open-minded; listen to others
• Don't take advantage of others
• Don't blame others carelessly

Caring

• Be kind
• Be compassionate and show you care
• Express gratitude
• Forgive others
• Help people in need

Citizenship

• Do your share to make your school and community better
• Cooperate
• Stay informed and vote
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules
• Respect authority
• Protect the environment

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