"When you know what your values are, and actively and passionately apply them in your life, you have found your self, and that is likely to make a positive impact on people both near and far. This is 'a Life of Value.'"

 Synthesizing Ancient Wisdom and Progressive Ideals

Jason Merchey is a philosophical thinker and independent scholar, editor of two books, Internet radio pioneer, founder of Values of the Wise, and – facetiously – "the Wise Guy." He was born in Southern California, but don't hold that against him! Raised Jewish in a Christian area somewhere between Hollywood and Disneyland, his faith in organized religion and America as an ideal society faded at about the time that he gained critical thinking skills and his parents divorced. Growing up, Jason liked catching butterflies and bugs, swimming, and building little things of value using Legos.

                             "I've never met anyone so enthusiastic about collecting quotations as Jason Merchey. Quotes from the wise have helped me so much as I walk this difficult path of scientifically studying the human condition. They have truly been my friend, as they have obviously been his, and I love that he is sharing his treasures with the world."
Jeremy Griffith, Founder and Director of The Foundation for Humanity’s Adulthood. Author of the books Free: the End of the Human Condition, Beyond the Human Condition, and A Species in Denial 

Jason graduated from the University of California (Irvine) with
highest honors, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and earned a
Master's degree in clinical psychology from California State University (Fullerton). He then high-tailed it from Orange County to San Diego where he put in 3,000 hours practicing psychotherapy and family therapy. He learned many things from clients, and had some thrilling moments.

“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, Co-founder and host of New Dimensions World Broadcasting Network; author of: A Time For Choices: Deep Dialogues For Deep Democracy and co-author of: True Work: Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do

However, he became so intrigued and satisfied studying wisdom,
values, and ethics that he created the enterprise Values of the
Wise™ rather than continue with psychotherapy and family therapy.

"Jason, you're doing a good job."
Howard Zinn, civil rights activist and author of A People's History of the United States
as well as You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Jason has always been intrigued by philosophy, existential
thought, and ethics. These interests—combined with an affinity for language,
progressive goals, and a humanistic perspective—inspired him to
research, collect, and catalogue quotations from thousands of the
  world's greatest citizens, activists, and visionaries.

"The ancient Greek word for "philosopher" literally means a "lover of wisdom." Jason is indeed a philosopher, a lover of wisdom. I think his deep love of wisdom is his underlying motivation for his study of the values of the wise. The fact that he is a caring person impels him to share his philosophical passion with others. Further, knowing his concern for the broader picture, it seems that he knows encouraging people to love and pursue wisdom plays a part in making this a better world."
Judith Barad, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, Indiana State University and Author of The Ethics of Star Trek