"I have been regularly dipping into [Living a Life of Value] and finding insight, illumination, and inspiration."                                               
Bill Moyers, former deputy director and director of public affairs for the Peace Corps; special assistant and press secretary to President Lyndon Johnson; former publisher of Newsday; winner of more than 40 Emmy and Peabody Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism; Baptist minister; and author of ten books, including: The Power of Myth (with Joseph Campbell),  Healing and the Mind: The Secret Government,  The Constitution in Crisis (with Henry Steele), and  Faith Works: How to Live Your Beliefs and Ignite Positive Social Change.

"Jason Merchey is searching the world for those bits of profound and practical wisdom that can make a positive difference for anyone. His innovative treasure hunt is bringing new gems of insight into people's lives in a great many ways. If you want to guide your life by the values of the wise, you need look no further than www.valuesofthewise.com, or get one of Jason's books that compile the ideas that you can use everyday."
Tom  Morris, PhD, author of True Work and If Aristotle Ran General Motors; former Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame; founder of the Morris Institute for Human Values.

"While political hypocrites make their endless appeals about 'family values' and 'godly values,' Jason Merchey offers us a trove of genuine values drawn from many cultures and humane thinkers, in the best traditions of humanism and democracy."
Michael  Parenti, Ph.D., author of twenty books, including:  Superpatriotism; The Culture Struggle; Against Empire; Land of Idols; Make-Believe Media; and Democracy for the Few.

"Windows of the mind open and fresh breezes blow in as you read Jason Merchey's book, Building a Life of Value. This collection of thoughts and insights illuminates, inspires, and imagines a world where we can draw upon the best of the wisdom of the ages. Ah, if only humanity could live out a page of it successfully... perhaps with its help. Well worth reading."
Diane Zehr, Pastor of Florence Christian Church, Florence, Kentucky

"Building a Life of Value contains an awe-inspiring collection of profound observation, advice, and wisdom. It is clear, well-organized, and has something for everybody to think about and benefit from, irrespective of the reader's background, tradition, or preconceptions."
Nicholas  Ribush, M.D., Director, Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive;  former Director of the International Mahayana Institute, the Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre, Mahayana Publications, and the Kurukulla Center for Tibetan Buddhist Studies

"Merchey's eclectic compilation of wisdom about how to live the examined life is the best possible kind of guide to real happiness: a self-help book for people w ho hate self-help books."
Mark Kingwell,  Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto

"I recommend with enthusiasm Building a Life of Value: Timeless Wisdom to Inspire and Empower Us. The volume has been a wonderful source of spiritual enrichment for my daily contemplation and prayer, full of penetrating and compelling nuggets of wisdom that speak to every aspect of my professional and personal life.  Indeed, at a time of major professional transition and geographical displacement in my own life, Jason Merchey's volume has been both an anchor of stability and stimulant for further striving in my life.  In today's society and culture where guideposts for our conduct and relationships focus on legal regulations and technical instructions, the observations and aphorisms collected by Merchey speak to the deeper human quest for meaning and integrity from which our striving should ultimately spring.  This wide-ranging collection of aphorisms and writings also reminds us that we are blessed to be the heirs and heiresses of a timeless legacy of experience in living meaningfully and reflectively, to which many cultures and spiritual and ethical traditions have contributed.  Finally, I want to add that I was also particularly entranced and impressed by Merchey's own commentaries, with which he introduces and concludes each chapter of quotations.  They are marvelously insightful and eloquent commentaries about the attributes and virtues under consideration – such as respect, integrity, or courage - and are gems of wisdom in their own right.  I encourage Merchey to consider expanding these and compiling them into a volume of commentaries or meditations of his own"  
Linda Yuriko Kato, RSCJ, Th.M., Ph.D., Director of the Center for Applied Nonprofit Research, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego; former researcher at MDRC, a nonprofit social policy research institution

"In this book you will find a wonderful collection of quotations about life and its problems.  Our guides to 'building a life of value' include prophets and politicians, saints and singers, poets and scientists – even the odd, insightful comedian."
Nicholas Maxwell, Ph.D., author of What's Wrong with Science and From Knowledge to Wisdom; Emeritus Reader in Philosophy of Science and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London 

"Building a Life of Valueby Jason Merchey is a beautiful book in all ways.  It looks good, is organized well and, most importantly, provides a 'flood of words and thoughts to help make one wise.'  It would be great for one's own personal development and life enrichment – and would also make a great gift for someone you love."
Earle F. Zeigler, Ph.D., D.Sc., Dean Emeritus of Kinesiology, the University of Western Ontario; former President of the International Society for Sport Philosophy; author of Who Knows What's Right Anymore?  and Whatever Happened to the Good Life?; member, Who's Who in America, American Education, the World, and Canada's Who's Who; winner, the Hetherington Award; Fellow, American Philosophical Association; former collegiate-level coach of football, swimming, and wrestling

"There is much in this book to stir your mind and feelings; somewhere in it is a passage that will change your life –if you let it."
Copthorne Macdonald, Founder of "The Wisdom Page," author of Toward Wisdom  and Matters of Consequence

" Building a Life of Value is a well-structured compendium of the world's multifarious treasures of wisdom with meaningful introductions to each chapter written by Mr. Merchey-readily accessible to busy readers searching for a deeper understanding of life. I like this handy and beautiful book on values and wisdom." 
George Enderle, Ph.D., Professor of International Business Ethics, University of Notre Dame; former President of the International Society of Business, Economics, and Ethics; author of International Business Ethics: Challenges and Approaches

" Building a Life of Value is a terrific and extremely useful book that brings together some of the most important thinking we have on values and ethics. It can be helpful because this book is about wisdom – and it is wisdom that guides us both as individuals and as a people as we move through the difficult times ahead toward a more just and humane society." 
Gar Alperovitz, Ph.D., Professor of Political Economy, University of Maryland; author of America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty & Our Democracy as well as Rethinking the Foundations of the Next Progressive Vision; former Fellow of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University as well as King's College at Cambridge University

"I love this book! It's a great compilation."
Dame Anita  Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop; author of  A Revolution in Kindness; progressive social activist

" The Values of the Wise™ Series is a treasury of ideas, thoughts, & feelings that represent the best of humane ideals. I hope it will be widely read because it could be a wonderful influence on the thinking and behavior of us all."
Howard  Zinn, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of History, Boston University;  author of The Twentieth Century, A People's History of the United States, and You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train   (also a documentary)

"Like a medieval monastic scribe illuminating manuscripts for the few, Jason Merchey is compiling the wisdom of the ages for the many – a cornucopia of insightful treasures." 
Michael Toms, Th.D., Co-founder and host of New Dimensions World Broadcasting Network; author of: A Time for Choices: Deep Dialogues for Deep Democracy  & co-author of: True Work: Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do; holder of a doctorate in theology.

"The Left rarely talks about values anymore, which is a shame given the deep humanist roots of radical politics.  Merchey has written an essential and beautiful book that might jumpstart that conversation.  Values of the Wise™ ought to be required reading for anyone interested in changing the world, for changing the world begins with changing how we think about how to live our lives." 
Robin  Kelley, Ph.D., Professor of African American Studies & Anthropology, Columbia University; author of Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination

"Jason Merchey has made available a valuable compilation; it is a rich selection of quotes relating to an array of virtues. His is a book I will turn to in my work on character & ethics education and in searching for wisdom in my daily life."
Bernice  Lerner, Ph.D., Center for the Advancement of Ethics & Character, Boston University

"An impressive compilation..."
The  Midwest  Book  Review, Reviewer's Choice

"We all need inspiration and role models; we all grow and learn from each other. The quotations in Merchey's bookprovide just that — inspiration and knowledge for our journey together. "
Deborah Lindholm, Executive Director, Foundation for Women

"Reading the wise quotations in this book is like taking sips from a snifter of finely aged brandy."
Peter B. Raabe, Ph.D., Philosopher & Philosophical Counselor and a uthor of three books on philosophical counseling, including: Philosophical Counseling: Theory and Practice

"Values of the Wise™ stands out among compilations of great quotes and remarkable thoughts. It is a collection of positive, uplifting statements from writers, speakers and observers from all time periods and walks of life. It will inspire you to pursue your noblest goals and dreams. You'll find yourself turning to it again and again."
Scott Farrell, Founder, Chivalry Today

"When Jason asked me to be a contributor to the book Living a Life of Value, I was willing because it sounded like a great idea, and I knew from a radio program on which he interviewed me that his heart was in the right place.  Having now seen it, I am happy to be a part of what turned out to be a superb literary monument to wisdom."
 Laurent Grenier, author of A Reason for Living

"This is a fascinating and useful tour of the pearls of human wisdom. No one could read this book without coming away more thoughtful about his or her own life."
Michael E. Kerr, M.D., Director, Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, Georgetown University

"This bookis a great resource for professional philosophers and all seekers of wisdom. The book contains a comprehensive and inspiring selection of quotations from great thinkers and cultural traditions, quotes which can be used to stimulate class discussion as well as one's own thought process."
Judith A. Boss, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar in Philosophy and the Center for BioMedical Ethics at Brown University and author of: Analyzing Moral Issues, Ethics for Life,  and Perspectives in Ethics

"As someone who is writing on Altruism and Compassion, Apology and Forgiveness – Merchey's book, Values of the Wise, has become very useful and I highly appreciate this valuable compendium of quotations. I look forward to using some of the wise quotations in parts of my work. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in kindness, compassion, and social responsibility because it throws some light on the need for wisdom and caring."
Samuel Oliner, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Humboldt State University Founder/Director of the Altruistic Personality and Prosocial Behavior Institute. Author of numerous publications on the Holocaust, altruism, prosocial behavior, and race/ethnic relations, including: Do Unto Others: Extraordinary Acts of Ordinary People, and The Altruistic Personality: Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe (with Pearl Oliner, PhD)

"To aspire to live "The Life of Value" – a life grounded in profound wisdom ascribed to great minds over the ages – is ambitious and inspiring.  This book is a wonderful resource; a great gift to every 'student of life' regardless of age! I recommend it highly – a must for those seeking wisdom and inspiration."
Renee Barnett Terry, Ph.D.,  Dean of Student Affairs, Revelle College – University of California, San Diego

"One of the many illuminating quotes in Jason Merchey's provocative compilation is Shakespeare's "There is no darkness but ignorance." Like so many of the aphorisms that Values of the Wise™ brings to light, this little gem demystifies tragedy by placing its origins in the realm of the knowable.  It also typifies the constructive and eye-opening character of Merchey's highly original collection."
Robert W. Fuller, Ph.D., Physicist, educator, and social activist; former President of Oberlin College; Author of:  Somebodies & Nobodies: Overcoming the Abuse of Rank

"I love quotations and am thoroughly enjoying Values of the Wise: Compelling Quotations on 'The Life of Value.'   It is an outstanding collection of musings on doing something significant with one's time and energy.  Its range and insight are impressive.  My favorite quotation from it thus far is from Seneca: 'Whatever I have given I still possess'  To illustrate the richness of the collection, on the same page is this wonderfully accurate assessment: 'You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.' (James D. Miles).  This observation gets at our essence: are we decent to our fellows or not?  As Confucius said, 'A superior person is virtuous, even when no one is looking.'"
Clayton Dube, UCLA Asia Institute

"Values of the Wise™ is an indispensable anthology of apt and anodyne aphorisms." 
Lou Marinoff, Ph.D., author of Plato, Not Prozac!

"The ambitious concept "Values of the Wise" provides one with a realistic & potent source to facilitate one's growth as well as solve many of humanity's problems."
Adrienne McFadd, Ph.D., licensed psychologist/psychotherapist

"[With the book Building a Life of Value], Mr. Merchey has done it again; a feast of thoughtful, carefully compiled words of wisdom to nourish us all. Combined with his intriguing website, he has now truly entered the noble realm of helping others to learn."
Max Weismann, Co-Founder/Director of  The Mortimer J. Adler Center for the Study of the Great Ideas

"People like quotations because they're like golden nuggets – they're valuable, small enough to carry in our minds, and universally respected as a currency of truth.  Building a Life of Value is a treasure chest of gold, holding jewels of wisdom to illumine our way."
Jan Phillips, speaker, artist, and author of The Art of Original Thinking, Making Peace: One Woman's Journey Around the World  and God is at Eye Level: Photography as a Healing Art

"This book is Bartlett's Quotations with a conscience.  It is a goldmine of insight and inspiration.  If you want to learn how to remake society, and why, this book is a good place to start."
David Callahan, Ph.D., political scientist and author of the books The Cheating Culture: Why Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead  as well as The Moral Center; Co-founder of Demos, a public policy think tank

"Values of the Wise™ are cornerstones for our collective thinking.  Culled from history, they perpetuate the wisdom and strength sorely needed in our global community as we seek peace and justice for all."
Jenni Prisk, Founder of Voices of Women, a grass-roots organization dedicated to peace and justice

"Values of the Wise™ is profound & inspirational.  I keep it on my coffee table. " 
Jonathan  Dolhenty, Ph.D., Director, The Center for Applied Philosophy

"We are all enriched by Jason Merchey's pursuit of wisdom and his willingness to share the fruits of his deep and wide reading with us. His book Building a Life of Value embodies the very spirit of philosophy in its original sense – the love of wisdom." 
Gary E. Kessler, M.Div., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy & Religious Studies and former Chairperson of The Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, California State University, Bakersfield; author of Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy Reader  (5th Edition) as well as Studying Religion

"Building a Life of Value by Jason Merchey is a wonderful compilation of "words of wisdom" regarding values.  As a philosopher, a lover of wisdom, I've always sought wisdom anywhere I could find it, regardless of who it came from or the time and place in which it which it can be located.  The reader may, as I did, feel compelled to mark his or her favorite quotations, in order to more easily return to them at appropriate moments.  Most of the quotes can provide food for deeper reflection, providing the opportunity for people to sort out the values they hold most dear and perhaps think of additional values important in their lives.  Readers may also want to keep the book nearby so that in times of stress or other moments when a better perspective is needed, they will have that help readily available.  Finally, the book may help people recognize that there is a wider array of values than the ones the "values voter" focused on in the 2004 presidential election.  I highly recommend the book to everyone concerned with leading a better life."   
Judith Barad, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, Indiana State University; Professor of Women's Studies, Indiana State University; former Chairperson, Department of Philosophy, Indiana State University; author of The Ethics of Star Trek

"As a person committed to bringing ancient wisdom and timeless values into businesses and organizations, I find Jason's book to be chock full of quotations and ideas from a diverse array of good people and deep thinkers. I find myself resonating with many of the wonderful bits of wisdom resident in Jason's well-crafted book. As an author, there is nothing more fun than reading something that makes me blurt out to myself, 'A-HA.' This book can be helpful as well as challenging, inspirational as well as sobering; such is the nature of wisdom!"
David Dibble, author of The New Agreements in the Workplace: Releasing the Human Spirit; systems thinker and coach to business executives; former CEO