William Damon

Stanford University

Director, Center on Adolescence; Professor, Education

William Damon is professor of education at Stanford University and one of the world's leading scholars of human, social, and moral development. He focuses his work on the positive aspects of growing up rather than on the severe behavioral problems of adolescence. His current research explores how people develop character and purpose in their work, family, and community relationships. He examines how young people can approach their careers with a focus on purpose, imagination, and high standards of excellence. He also has written widely about how to educate for ethical understanding. Damon’s books include: A Round of Golf with my Father: The New Psychology of Exploring your Past to Make Peace with your Present (2021); The Power of Ideals (2015, with Anne Colby); The Path to Purpose: How Young People Find Their Calling in Life (2008); Taking Philanthropy Seriously: Beyond Noble Intentions to Responsible Giving (2006, with Susan Verducci); Noble Purpose: The joy of living a meaningful life (2003); Bringing in a New Era in Character Education (2002); Good Work: When Excellence and Ethics Meet (2001, with Howard Gardner and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi); The Youth Charter (1997); Greater Expectations: Overcoming the Culture of Indulgence in Our Homes and Schools (1995); Some Do Care: Contemporary Lives of Moral Commitment (1992, with Anne Colby); and The Moral Child (1990). As a developmental psychologist, he has made important contributions to education, establishing after-school programs in Boston, unifying communities in educating youth, working with journalists, and examining the ways that colleges can foster purpose among students. Damon has received awards from several major foundations and the Parent’s Choice Book Award and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.