Self-respect is the cornerstone of all virtue.
- John Herschel, English astronomer (1792-1871)
Those who know when they have enough are rich.
- Chinese Proverb
The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men.
- Julius Charles Hare, English writer (1795-1855)
Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experience.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, American author (1803-1882)
Maxims, or rules of conduct, are used in the new high school program, JA Careers with a Purpose, to frame career and life decision-making. What should I do when I graduate from high school? What choices are out there? How do my skills, interests, and values match with available careers?
Through JA Careers with a Purpose, students learn to use ethical decision-making skills to make career and life decisions. They discover that their career can have a noble purpose by reviewing their values and life maxims.
JA Careers with a Purpose includes seven program sessions and strongly encourages students to complete the skills, interests, and values career assessments available on ja.org. The program also invites students to compete in the Laws of Life essay contest. Each students receives a workbook like the one pictured here.
See the Scope and Sequence for the concepts and skills taught. For more information, read the Program Summary.


