Last Sunday I attended my local Humanist group meeting and we had a really interesting debate about values. This is something I found really fascinating as there was such a broad spectrum of views about which values people ranked so highly, and if indeed it was possible to rank our values.
What would you rate top of your list? Love? compassion? responsibility? integrity? community? family?
So I wondered what my personal top ten values would be, and I’ve created my own list. I found the ones proposed by the Humanist Philosopher’s Group a little too high brow for my tastes. I’d love to see your comments and perhaps your own lists.
#1 – Love
This manifests itself in many ways, but can include sentiments such as self-esteem (love of self), and love for a family member, or friend. I don’t include sex in this definition because I am referring something more reasoned in the mind and not between the sheets. When people behave toward me in a certain way I feel loved (self esteem), and I reciprocate. While I value this emotion highly I’m not sure I express it as much as I should and perhaps that is something to which I should aspire to do.
#2 – Integrity
This has a more philosophical meaning for me, as my use of this word refers to a state of being undiminished, everything that I am, which includes adhering to my ethical principles. I am not necessarily successful in being consistent in this behaviour but I certainly try to act with integrity in my thoughts and actions. I think at one time or another we’ve done something we aren’t proud of, but as long as these things are exceptions and unintended then we can’t go far wrong.
#3 – Responsibility
Responsibility for me is quite high on the values list. As a Humanist I do not base my actions on a prescribed set of rules or dogma. Therefore I have to evaluate my ethical principles, and make a determination if they are good for me and the wider community in which I live. When acting upon those principles I also have to take responsibility for any consequences, be they foreseeable ones or not. For example, if I were to have an accident and cause harm to another human, I would need to ensure I took responsibility, and accounted for my actions. Failing to do so would be inconsistent with my ethical principles and lack integrity.
#4 – Empathy
Empathy is something I find a very positive behaviour. It allows us to connect with other people, by understanding their situation, and how that can make them feel. This in turn can help us find solutions to problems. If for example, we have a disagreement with a person then showing empathy with their position for a moment, might allow us to see alternatives which enable a peaceful resolution. It can also create a drive to help others who may be less fortunate than ourselves (compassion). This empathy or compassion also allows us to tolerate people who hold diverse views and beliefs from me.
#5 – Purpose
As a Humanist I believe that we create purpose for ourselves, and that the first four of my values list informs my sense of purpose. We need to have a reason for being, and our purpose can also help create a sense of identity for us as individuals, as well in our communities. For some people it might be creating music which uplifts and inspires people, for others it’s about saving lives. Without a purpose we are simply animals which survive from day-to-day.
#6 – Freedom
Freedom is the power to determine our own actions without any restrictions. While this may sound overly liberal, I’m fully cognisant that we must have laws and rules which govern our society. However they should not be so restrictive as to deny people the opportunity to define their own purpose in life and make free choices. Freedom to speak freely and honestly without fear of punishment or persecution is an inalienable human right. However, with this freedom comes great responsibility, and it should be used to act with integrity in all things.
#7 – Happiness
Once we have achieved mastery of my previous values we can then strive toward happiness. I don’t believe it is truly possible to be happy unless we have love, purpose and freedom. Of course happiness is synonymous with pleasure. We can achieve a state of pleasure or happiness by many routes, including helping others, through achievement, or through material gain. Having a fast sports car might make me happy because I feel physically exhilarated when I drive it.
#8 – Equanimity
A bit of an odd one, but I think this is a very important value or behaviour. When I think of this I am always reminded of master Yoda, and his “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering” statement. Remaining calm and rational in challenging situations is powerful, and allows us to make better, rational choices. The power to choose effectively is diminished when we shift our state to something like anger, and are so focused on being angry we are unable to determine our desired outcome effectively.
#9 – Wellbeing
I’ve used this term to reflect elements around personal health, which includes both mental health and physical health. Physical health, is very important as our body is what houses our consciousness. Our physical state determines how we interact with the world, and an example may be that an overweight person has lower self-esteem (love of self), equally they may not be able to undertake physical activities which they might like to. Health or wellbeing is essential to our existence, and it is important to look after the one body we have, for the one lifetime we have. This does not diminish the people who suffer illness or physical impairment because each human should be afforded the freedom to fulfil their own unique potential, and not have artificial limitations placed on them by others.
#10 – Enlightenment
In this context I am referring to quality of being enlightened, having gained knowledge and understanding. It is important we think clearly and make observations of the world around us, applying reason and wisdom to our affairs. Examining evidence and not accepting what we are told as fact without making our own assessment of the facts.
