Value and Values

We spend quite a bit of time thinking about the value of different things. More often than not, we do
this is terms of the monetary value of those things. We compare things using this same concept of
what is valuable. What we don’t spend much time thinking about is our own values and our value as a
human being.

Values are qualities that signify what is important and worthwhile. Values serve as the basis for
moral codes and ethical reflection. Each individual has their own values based on many aspects
including family, religion, peers, culture, race, social background, gender etc. Values guide
individuals, professions, communities and institutions. One expression of values might be, “Life is
sacred.”
Morals are codes of conduct governing behaviour. They are an expression of values reflected in
actions and practices. Morals can be held at an individual or community level. For example, “You
should not kill” provides a guideline for action based upon values.
Ethics provide a systematic, rational way to work through dilemmas and to determine the best course
of action in the face of conflicting choices. Ethics attempt to find and describe what people believe is
right and wrong, and to establish whether certain actions are actually right or wrong based on all the
information available. For example, ethics might address a question such as, “If killing is wrong, can
we justify the death penalty or kill in self-defence?”

Values Definition Table – Values Auction

Value Definition
Adventurousness Tendency to do new and daring things
Ambition Eagerness or strong desire to achieve something
Caring Feeling and showing concern for others
Commitment Feeling bound in mind or heart to someone or doing something
Compassion Being deeply aware of the needs of others and wanting to lessen suffering
Courage Ability to face danger, fear, and obstacles with confidence
Curiosity Being inquisitive about the nature of things and being willing to question
Freedom Believing people should be allowed to do what they want
Hardworking Working hard, well and tirelessly
Honesty Acting straightforwardly and fairly
Honour Being upright in character and having personal integrity
Hope Feeling that something you want can be yours or will happen
Humility Feeling that you are not better than others; not seeking recognition for your efforts
Imagination Being able to think creatively
Love Feeling strong desire or attraction toward a person or idea
Loyalty Staying true to your friends and your beliefs
Modesty Not bragging about your talents and successes
Patience Waiting and withstanding without complaining or getting angry
Persistence Quality of never quitting, being persistent, and working hard
Resilience Ability to bounce back quickly from change or bad circumstances
Respect Showing a polite attitude toward people or things that are important
Self-Discipline Ability to make yourself do something even if you don’t want to
Tolerance Recognizing and respecting the different beliefs and practices of others
Wisdom Ability to make good decisions based on experience and learning

Your Values
In this lesson you are examining the concept of values, with a view towards clarifying what you
consider to be of value. In the space below, write down what you think are the things or ideas that are
of greatest value to you. What do you value?

Character Test
Our characters are tested in small ways every single day: how we speak and how much
consideration we give to those around us are typical examples of this. Occasionally, our character is
tested in big ways when we are faced with life-changing decisions or moral choices that have far-
reaching consequences.

There are many ways to judge character. In a TedTalks speech [May 2009], Joachim de Posada spoke
about not eating the marshmallow: research showed that young children who can resist eating the
marshmallow placed before them straight away will do better in later life. This concept is called
“delayed gratification”.

Another way I think we show character is in the way we treat people, in particular, people who
cannot help us or harm us. What we do with and for them is done without expectation – we do not
expect reward and we do not expect to be hurt. I think it is also instructive to see how people treat
others when they do not realise they are being observed: if you know that someone you wish to
impress is watching how you behave, you may well change how you treat someone. If you are
unaware you are being watched, we are more likely to get a more accurate reflection of who you are.

There are two more ways we demonstrate our characters: the first is how we react when we don’t get
what we want. Do we give up? Do we sulk? Do we blame other people? Or do we look for the
positives? Do we take responsibility? Do we keep going, determined to do better? Do we work
harder?

The other is how we react when we do get what we want. Do we boast and brag? Do we rub our
success in other people’s faces? Do we continue to revel in our achievement long after the moment
has past? Or do we recognise the efforts or disappointment of others? Do we behave humbly? Do we
enjoy the moment but move on to the next task?

Each of these can tell you a lot about a person.

From the information above think of instances where the above examples have been demonstrated.