2. INTRODUCTION
Human values are closely related with human life. No
human life is possible without values. Human Values are
those universal concepts, drivers of action which are
found in all cultures, all societies, all times and in all
places where human beings eke out their lives.
Human values are a set of consistent behaviors and
measures that guide human beings in doing what is right
and acceptable by the society. They attract dignity,
respect and appropriateness among people. Human
values are used to set laws in most cases. Human values
are people's beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards things,
situations or other people.
3. Human values have an inherent energy and
dynamism. Human values do not follow the laws of
physical science. They cannot be depleted. Normally,
when we spend energy our resources we become
drained of energy to the extent of our expenditure.
But human values multiply as they are applied, used,
expressed and acted out. They benefit both the giver
and the recipient.
4. TYPES OF HUMAN VALUES
The five human values, which can be found in all
cultures, all societies and in all religions, are
1. Truth (sathya)
2. Right Conduct (dharma)
3. Love (prema)
4. Peace (shanti)
5. Non- Violence (ahimsa)
These values are eternal; they are eternal essences,
which elevate human life to its highest expression,
its highest capacity.
5. TRUTH
The desire to know truth has prompted mankind to
ask some of the great questions such as: Who am I?
What is the purpose of life? How can I live fully in
the present moment?
Learning to speak the truth is a first and vital step in
the formation of strong character.
Voicing an untruth is an anti-social act and causes
confusion in the mind of both the speaker and
listener and leads to anti-social behavior.
Telling lies hurts ourselves as well as others in a
subtle, but very real way.
6. RIGHT CONDUCT
Information is received through the five senses, i.e.
smell, taste, sight, touch and hearing.
When this information is referred to the conscience,
the resulting action will be beneficial.
Every action is preceded by a thought. If the thought
is consciously seen and noted, it aims to assist and is
unselfish, the action will be good for oneself
and others.
If our minds are busy, or we are daydreaming, the
action may be useless, clumsy or harmful to
ourselves and others.
7. LOVE
Love is not an emotion, affected by the sub-
conscious
mind, but is a spontaneous, pure reaction from the
heart.
It is the power of love which causes one person to
wish happiness for another and take pleasure in their
well-being.
A beneficial energy (love) is directed towards the
other person. As this energy flows through our
own body first, it also enhances our own health.
Love is unconditional positive regard for the good
of another. It is giving and unselfish.
8. PEACE
We smile when we are happy and contented.
Contentment is gained when we cease to want to give
ourselves all the apparent 'good' things conveyed to
us through our five senses.
Inner agitation stops and we are left feeling peaceful.
When there is peace in the individual, there will be
peace in the family, when there is peace in the
family, there will be peace in the community.
In order to learn self esteem, calmness and freedom
from anxiety are necessary.
9. NON- VIOLENCE
When the former four values are practiced (i.e. the
conscious mind is keenly aware, love is flowing, there
is peace and action are right) and life is lived without
harming or violating any thing else.
It is the highest achievement of human living and
encompasses respect for all life ±living in harmony
with nature, not hurting by thought, word or deed.
Two aspects of non-violence. These are:
Psychological -such as compassion for all.
Social -appreciation of all cultures and religions
and caring for the environment.
10. TYPES OF HUMAN VALUES AND THEIR
SUB VALUES
Truth Right
Conduct
Love Peace Non-
Violence
Truthfulness Manners Kindness Patience Consideration
Creativity Health
awareness
Friendship Concentration Cooperation
Honesty Helpfulness Forgiveness Positiveness Loyalty
Determination Responsibility Generosity Self
Acceptance
Justice
Fairness Independence Compassion Self Discipline Respect
Trust Perseverance Tolerance Thankfulness Active
Citizenship
Reflection Courage Service Contentment
