Recently I had the good opportunity to attend a seminar on, “Values”, which was organized by an international N.G.O.The theme for discussion was good values and why they are important. Each participant had to give their opinion as to which value they considered important and why.
Recently I had the good opportunity to attend a seminar on, "Values”, which was organized by an international N.G.O.
The theme for discussion was good values and why they are important. Each participant had to give their opinion as to which value they considered important and why.
The discussion was very interesting as people quoted a wide range of values which were very important for them ranging from honesty, purity, morality, to courage, creativity, e.t.c.
As such the dictionary meaning of the word, "value”, is something which is held, the worth of something or something precious. In context of human values, it would be, qualities possessed by or cherished by human beings.
Respect, love, compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, integrity, morality, e.t.c., are superior qualities with which man is endowed by nature. But unfortunately in most of the people these qualities lie dormant or pass unnoticed.
All societies of the world whether of Africa, Asia, Europe or any part have certain traditions which are based on these values and lay emphasis on them.
Respect for elders, affection and love for all, selfless help for needy, charity for the poor, politeness and similar other qualities are appreciated anywhere in the world. They are timeless and cherished in all eras.
But today the scenario has changed a bit. In the greed for materialistic goods, people are abandoning these values and traditions. Greed, selfishness, apathy, e.t.c., basic creature instincts are getting more dominant over fine human values. The result is the chaos prevailing all around in the form of violence, poverty, miseries and multiple problems.
The need today is that people recognize their fine higher values and try to improve them.
Whether one value is superior to another and why, is a matter for discussion and debate. All good values are equally important and linked to one another. A person who is absolutely honest and has integrity will not succumb to any temptation.
Thus s/he will never steal or cheat for money or any material thing. This will automatically lend them moral courage. Similarly one with a simple life style also will not be corrupted by any material greed.
A fearless person will be able to hold on his principles against all odds and not breakdown mentally in adverse circumstances. One who is always respectful to others, gains respect and wins friends and goodwill.
A wise individual will never do anything in haste. He will always use prudence and take a correct decision. In return he will get success in his venture.
Those with a pure heart will never think negative or ill about anyone. Whatever they do, will always be for welfare of self and others. Thus they shall always remain happy and make others happy.
Individuals with a strong sense of morality will never do anything which is against set moral values. Such persons can safeguard their health against diseases like HIV and hepatitis B.
If many people are compassionate with a desire to help needy, there shall be no suffering in the community.
Each value is priceless for humanity. If each quality is described individually along with its benefits, volumes can be written.
The need today is to implement these good values in the society again. This can be possible only through awakening the people and making them realize the virtues of these values.
One should try to follow good values. It is also important to have a determination to avoid crude animal instincts like anger, jealousy, e.t.c., in one’s day to day routine. With wisdom, one can adopt what is good and discard what is harmful for his own sake and others.
A simple way to adopt them is to follow certain timeless traditions like respect for others. Introspection can be done by each person before sleeping every day. What good has been done should be improved. If in any way one has done a lowly behaviour, resolve should be taken not to do it again.
When elders observe and practice superior values, younger generations will follow the same.
Thus practicing good values will help in betterment of people in every way and also make the world a better place.