HUMAN VALUES

SUBMITTED BY-
Heena Sharma
5th Semester
B.sc. Biology
Email-
heenas1517@gmail.com
 INTRODUCTION

The concept 'value' is expressed in different life situations as significant in fulfilling

our mental, emotional, spiritual or practical requirement. It may also simply be
described as that which we find good or meaningful. It is very common to comment
on the value of things that one prefers or likes and for which one may make
conscious effort to acquire. But as human beings we are particularly struck by the
values which we discerned in human relationships or in men's actions and behaviour.
Therefore, 'value' is a concept which is widely applied in man's life. In view of the
variety and diversity of human life, the concept cannot be easily explained. Referring
to this phenomena, Paul Roubickez, explains: "In the sphere of values,
contradictions are the rule".

Human values are values which are fundamental to man's innate nature of being
human. These guide man in the right path, giving him a sense of peace and rightness.
As such human values are cherished and sought to be realized throughout the ages.
From time immemorial, their meanings are defined and redefined. In the early
civilization, Plato explains human values as "the things in the upper world you may
take for the upward journey of the soul". Thus human values enable man to realize
the supreme value of human life which Plato further explained as the "essential form
of goodness". For Aristotle, human values through man's rational power, ensures the
attainment of happiness as "the supreme end of life".

Man's innate efforts to express human values in different modes of expression are a
testament to his sense of values. Thus, the painter expresses his values in painting,
the musician in music, the sculptor in rocks. As a medium of human expression,
literature also expresses human values. In the case of fiction, W. H. Hudson is of the
opinion that "A general moral philosophy is, therefore, almost always embodied as
a more or less distinctly avowed part of their plan". Therefore, he explains the
author's chief objective: "As he deals with life, he must deal with moral facts and
issues everywhere involved in life; and it is upon his moral power and insight"...
"that the real greatness of his work very largely depends".

The two projections, 'significance' and 'valuation' give rise to different types of
values which will be discussed later.
 HUMAN VALUES: THEIR NATURE AND MEANING
Before considering human values in the selected stories, it is felt important to have
a clear understanding of the concept 'human values'. A preliminary consultation of
literary and philosophy books do not yield satisfactory definitions since general
discussions are under the term 'value'. This is explained by the extremely complex
nature of value. Barbara Hemstein Smith lucidly explains as follows:

“The term value seems to name an aspect of the world so fundamental to our thinking
- so elementary and at the same time so general - as to be both irreducible and
irreplaceable; it defies attempts to analyze into simpler concepts and efforts to
explain.”

This in itself makes it difficult to arrive at a simple definition of human values.

Therefore, a preliminary consideration of the general term value may project useful
points in the understanding of human values. In this connection, the Oxford
Encyclopedic Dictionary explains the term 'value' as:

“A worth, desirability, quality on which these depend”.

The above definition emphasizes 'value' as a desirable quality in things, men and
action. This is normally understood. But Paul Roubiczek explains value in the
context of valuation:

“A value expresses the significance of things - great or small - which man ascribes
to matters related to a particular activity or experience or to his life in general and
thus provides him with guidance for his behaviour. "

In the above explanation, the word 'ascribes' projects man's act of valuation for value
to exist. But this is easier said than done. In the literary context, Bulwer-Lytton
brought out this problem when he commented, "We do not observe any frivolity in
Walter Scott, when he describes with elaborate care the set of ruffle...of Sir Walter
Raleigh." But this rule does not apply all the time for "we do not require the same
minuteness in describing the smock frock of a labourer."

A literary critic, E. Olson attempts to throw more light on the abstract sense of human
values which he refers to as the objective and subjective aspects. He insightfully
illustrates their implications as follows:

“We do not see painting, we see the coloured paint; we do not hear the music, we
hear the sound; we come to the perceptions of the painting or music through the
operation of faculties other than sense.”

The objective presents the permanent nature of value which is explained as that
which "resides in the object itself. In the context of human values, it directs attention
to the unchanging and intrinsic nature of human qualities of kindness, love,
sympathy and truthfulness. The subjective according to Olson is an inner perception
and evaluation involving emotions and thoughts of man. Thus, as explained by
Olson, "the objective arises immediately from the properties" while in the subjective
"values are contingent upon what we are evaluating". However, in practical life,
man's judgmental power ascribes value. Therefore, after explaining values to refer
to "interests, pleasures, likes, preferences,..." the International Encyclopedia of
Social Sciences further explains:

“Values, in other words, are found in the large and diverse universe of selective
behaviour.”
 THE HUMAN VALUES THAT I PROFESS

1. RIGHT CONDUCT
Right Conduct has its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’. This expression
cannot be translated literally. It covers ethical guidelines, ethical behaviour
and moral righteousness. The saying “Do good, see good and be good”
captures the essence and intent of this value. It is rooted in attitudes and habits
inculcated from early childhood that mature into respect and adherence to the
duties and responsibilities that come with one’s life circumstances.

2. TRUTH
True happiness is only possible, when we realize, who we really are.
Throughout the ages philosophers have stated that beyond the individual,
egocentric self, there is a deeper reality and a higher self, which is our true
being. This universal truth can be expressed in many ways and be explained
by different names and forms, but ultimately it leads to the realization that
everything is permeated by the one truth. The search for truth requires
discernment, intuition and introspection. The highest truth is unchangeable in
the past, present and future.

To practice truth means cultivating truthfulness, honesty and sincerity, self-

analysis and purity, accuracy and fairness, fearlessness and integrity. When
truth is ‘my truth’ and ‘your truth’ (i.e., subjective or relative), a child learns
that there are many facets related to it. This truth can change and continue to
change, according to experience, age, perspective, culture and belief system.
However, when searching for a lasting truth that withstands relativity, the
 values of common sense, intuition, justice, quest for knowledge, spirit of
enquiry, and synthesis, are nurtured and enhanced.

3. PEACE
Everyone wants and seeks peace. Lasting peace cannot be found in the
material world. Peace requires the capacity for introspection and self-
awareness. Self-awareness enables one to become mindful of his or her
thoughts, words and deed. When self-awareness becomes a habit, the
individual begins to monitor and modify the habitual patterns that interfere
with inner peace. True peace requires an inner balance regardless of profit or
loss, success or failure, pain or pleasure. To calm the mind and open the heart
are essential steps to achieve this peace.

Psychological peace” (such as a peaceful thinking and emotions) is perhaps

less well defined yet often a necessary precursor to establishing "behavioral
peace." Peaceful behavior sometimes results from a "peaceful inner
disposition." Some have expressed the belief that peace can be initiated with
a certain quality of inner tranquility that does not depend upon the
uncertainties of daily life for its existence. The acquisition of such a "peaceful
internal disposition" for oneself and others can contribute to resolving of
otherwise seemingly irreconcilable competing interests.

Because psychological peace can be important to Behavioral peace, leaders

sometimes de-escalate conflicts through compliments and generosity. Small
gestures of rhetorical and actual generosity have been shown in psychological
research to often result in larger levels of reciprocal generosity (and even
virtuous circles of generosity). Such benevolent selfless behavior can
 eventually become a pattern that may become a lasting basis for improved
relations between individuals and groups of people. Peace talks often start
without preconditions and preconceived notions, because they are more than
just negotiating opportunities. They place attention on peace itself over and
above what may have been previously perceived as the competing needs or
interests of separate individuals or parties to elicit peaceful feelings and
therefore produce benevolent behavioral results. Peace talks are sometimes
also uniquely important learning opportunities for the individuals or parties
involved.

4. KINDNESS
Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant
disposition, and concern and consideration for others. It is considered a virtue,
and is recognized as a value in many cultures and religions (see ethics in
religion).

In Book II of "Rhetoric", Aristotle defines kindness as "helpfulness towards

someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper
himself, but for that of the person helped". Nietzsche considered kindness and
love to be the "most curative herbs and agents in human intercourse".
Kindness is considered to be one of the Knightly Virtues.

The human value of kindness can best be expressed as the all-pervading life
energy. In other words, this value has nothing to do with emotion, passionate
feeling, desire or attachment. Kindness refers to something much deeper and
more fundamental in the human nature. It is being selfless and detached from
mutual expectations. All major religions emphasize the importance of love. It
is kindness, caring, empathy and compassion.
 NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THE VALUES I PROFESS
IN MY DAY TO DAY LIFE

1. BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF

Due to the values of kindness and Right conduct I believe in, there are times
when people around me take advantage of my behavior. The tendency of mine
to sympathise with others and paying heed to their requests has not only cost
me my valuable time but also resulted in drainage of my material resources.

2. PUTTING OTHERS NEED BEFORE MINE

It could be their wants, or demands or emotions. Very often it’s about
protecting the feeling of a loved one while they ruthlessly manipulate me into
doing what’s in their best interest.

3. PERCIEVING MY PEACEFUL NATURE AS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS

Often my tendency to be non-violent in handling situations is taken as a sign
of being submissive. But one should not forget the fact that peace, non-
violence and negotiations save lives, not wars.

4. ITS BETTER TO HIDE THAN TO SPEAK TRUTH IN CERTAIN

SITUATIONS
Being true to others is not possible in certain situations, hence I hide the facts
to prevent a greater harm. In the end, it is being true to oneself that matters.