The Luce Index™. The editorial ranking system developed by The Stewardship Report in partnership with The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation to evaluate thought leaders and global citizens based on their demonstrated ability to uplift humanity. The Index assesses individuals across ten carefully weighted criteria, including moral character, social justice, human rights advocacy, communication clarity, and audience reach.
Unlike popularity-based rankings or algorithmic influence metrics, The Luce Index™ emphasizes ethical substance over visibility. It draws on publicly available evidence—such as speeches, writings, institutional impact, and long-term social outcomes—to generate a holistic portrait of a person’s contribution to human dignity and the common good.
The Index spans historical and contemporary figures across public life, the arts, education, science, philanthropy, and activism. It functions as a living resource, with scores subject to revision as new information emerges or changes in public record. The Luce Index™ is explicitly not a measure of perfection, but of demonstrated commitment to ethical, inclusive, and compassionate leadership.
Developed within the editorial mission of The Stewardship Report, The Luce Index™ seeks to help students, journalists, and global citizens better understand who is shaping the moral imagination of the modern world—and how leadership can be exercised with integrity in times of crisis and change.
Criteria Used By The Luce Index™
- Thought Leader – originality and clarity of ideas that uplift humanity
- Social Justice – advocacy for equity, inclusion, and structural fairness
- Human Rights – defense of basic freedoms, safety, and dignity
- Interfaith – bridge building across religions, cultures, and worldviews
- Specific Talent – excellence in a distinctive field used for public good
- Moral Character – integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct
- Speak Clearly – coherent and constructive public speaking
- Write Clearly – accessible and influential written work
- Video Clearly – effective use of visual media
- Reach Audience – sustained engagement across diverse communities