Basic Universal Values virtues you want in any country or region.

So, these are

universal values.
Human beings are endowed with spiritual capacities.
This is a fact testified to by the founders of all the Universal values are acquired with family education and
worlds religious as well as by sages and philosophers school, because the process of socialization involves
throughout history. An understanding of these positive that new generations internalize timeless concepts.
virtues and values gives individuals and societies the
moral accountability that is the basis of human Shalom H. Schwartz Concept of Universal Values
integrity. Mere knowledge of ideals and principles are S.H. Schwartz, along with a number of psychology
not enough. There is always the need to translate the colleagues, has carried out empirical research
ideals in to action. investigating whether there are universal values, and
The development of civilization has occurred in a spiral what those values are. Schwartz defined ‘values’ as
pattern with seasons of enlightenment and periods of “conceptions of the desirable that influence the way
darkness, but with constant advancement. Confidence people select action and evaluate events (Sen, 1999).”
in the advent of human and global community provides Schwartz’s results from a series of studies that included
the foundation for world peace. surveys of more than 25,000 people in 44 countries
What is Universal Value? with a wide range of different cultural types suggest
that there are fifty-six specific universal values and ten
A value is a quality that weans people, things, events, or types of universal value. Below are each of the values
situations. The term is used to designate the moral types, with the specific relate values alongside:
characteristics that are inherent in a subject piety,
responsibility, secularism, respect, etc. 1. Power. Social status and prestige, control or
dominance over people and resources.
Universal, however, is an adjective that is related to 2. Achievement. Personal success through
what belongs or which relates to the universe. The demonstrating competence according to social
concept refers to what belongs or which relates to the standards.
universe. The concept refers to the set of all things 3. Hedonism. Pleasure or sensuous gratification for
created and what is common to all its kind. oneself.
4. Stimulation. Excitement, novelty, and challenge in
These definitions enable us to approach the notion of life.
universal value. Universal values are formed by implied 5. Self-Direction. Independent thought an action-
behavioral standards that are necessary to live in a choosing, creating, and exploring.
harmonious and peaceful society. 6. Universalism. Understanding, appreciation,
It is notion which is not obvious to define, because a tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all
value is associated with morality and ethics, which is people and for the nature.
difficult to transpose, or refer to the level of the group. 7. Benevolence. Preservation and enhancement of the
In other words, all people have certain values that come welfare of people with whom one is in frequent
from their interior and guide their actions. Because personal contact.
humans do not think all the same way, values can vary 8. Tradition. Respect, commitment, and acceptance of
from one person to the next. Universal values, however, the customs and ideas that traditional culture or
have the particularity to the socially shared (Didatic religion provide.
Encyclopedia, 2015). 9. Conformity. Restraint of actions, inclinations, and
impulses likely to upset or harm others and violate
In addition to cultural differences, we can say that the expectations or norms.
goodness, solidarity, volunteerism and honesty are 10. Security. Safety, harmony, and stability of society,
of relationships and of self.
Schwartz also tested an eleventh possible universal to enjoy there an ultimate and eternal
value, ‘spirituality’ or ‘the goal of finding meaning in happiness. And from this we can understand
life’, but found that it does not seem to be recognized. that in fact eternal happiness is the ultimate
value of all religious people. For nobody would
UN Charter on Universal Values like to go to any dull or miserable Paradise or
The universal values enshrined in the United Nations so.
(UN) Charter, respect for fundamental human rights,
social justice and human dignity, and respect for the 2. Peace – Peace has to be seen as a basic
equal rights of men and women, serves as overarching condition for freedom and happiness, for
values to which supplies of goods and service to the UN without peace there cannot be real freedom.
are expected to adhere. Wherever there is fight, threat or hostility, our
freedom and happiness are inhibited or totally
In a speech of Tabingen University in Germany, UN prevented.
Secretary General Kofi Annan emphasized that
PROGRESS, EQUAL RIGHTS, HUMAN DIGNITY, are 3. Love – Love in a general sense can be best
acutely needed in this age of globalization. defined as feelings, or an experience of deep
connectedness or oneness with any other
Annan further stated that three years ago, in the
human being, any animal, plant, tree, thing or
Millennium Declaration, all states reaffirmed certain
unnamable. Love can also be experienced as
fundamental values as being “essential to international
something far beyond any comprehension, and
relations in the twenty-first century”: freedom, equality,
totally indescribable.
solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared
responsibility. They adopted practical, achievable
Love may happen to us when we are able to
targets – the Millennium Development Goals – for
open to the beauty and nature of other people,
relieving the blight of extreme poverty and making such
or to the beauty and mystery of nature in
rights as education, basic health care an clean water a
general, or even beautiful things. Hence the
reality for all.
importance of human-friendly mentality, which
However, globalization has brought nations closer contains an attitude of openness to the
together in the sense that they are all affected by each basically loving nature of others, and the state
other’s actions, but not in the sense that they all share of openness out of human-friendliness imply an
the benefits and the burdens. Instead, some nations, openness and friendly attitude to the whole of
have allowed it to drive other nations further apart, existence.
increasing the disparities in wealth and power both
between societies and within them. 4. Freedom – Freedom means the experience of
unrestricted, and to be as much as possible
Basic Universal Human Values independent of the social pressure of others. A
basic condition for happiness is however the
The functions of most these basic values is to make it
experience of an inner, or mental freedom;
possible for every human to realize or maintain the very
freedom from all kinds of stress, worry, anxiety,
highest or most basic universal core values of life, love
problems, obligations, and fears, often directly
and happiness. Hereunder are some of the basic
or indirectly caused by the respectless
universal human values:
egocentric or power-oriented mentality of
1. Happiness – In the ancient past the founders of many others in our society.
the big religions in the world have already
For many people in the world it would be much
taught about the reward for a religious life by
easier to attain happiness if others in their
an afterlife in Paradise, Heaven or Nirvana, etc.
society would show a little more respect for the
 value of freedom of all other people in that awareness that the other is basically as we are
society. For basically an outer freedom from ourselves and the resulting feelings of
dominance, repression, burden, obligations and connectedness we feel a natural and
duties creates also an inner freedom from spontaneous respect for the other.
problems of worry, stress, and fears.
Natural and spontaneous human respect can
And this shows also a huge responsibility for only be earned by integrity, veracity and truly
politicians and all other people in power, and it social behavior, not by just some impressing or
asks for their integrity, empathy, and respect, over acting behavior. True respect is a
for freedom is for any human a basic condition spontaneous phenomenon, which comes
for happiness, one of our very highest values. basically out of the understanding that deep
5. Safety – Safety means free of threat, fear and down the other person is the same as we are
survival-stress. Without safety, people tend to ourselves.
live out of their individual survival instinct, and
long term insecurity creates an egocentric 8. Equality – Equality originates from the word
survival-mentality. Without safety, people in a aequalis, aequus, and aequalitas. These are all
society are burdened by emotional fear, old French or Latin words. These French or Latin
helplessness, and anxiety. words mean even, level and equal. Thus the
meaning of the word ‘equality’ used in political
6. Intelligence – Intelligence has been defined in science corresponds to the meaning from which
many different ways to include the capacity for it originates.
logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, Every person has certain claims to equality.
emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, There are two very important forms of legal or
creativity, and problem solving. It can be more formal equality. One is equality below law and
generally described as the ability to perceive or equal protection of law. What is to be noted
infer information, and to retain it as knowledge here is that the legal member of the legal
to be applied towards adaptive behaviors within association can legitimately claim that all the
an environment or context. citizens must be treated equally by law and no
discrimination is to be allowed.
A tremendous challenge to our human
intelligence is our ability to cooperate on a Every individual has the right to claim equal
global scale to avoid catastrophic global liberties with others and when the state
developments, like climate change, population authority can ensure this, it will be assumed
growth, the ecology problem, and the nuclear that justice will no longer be far away. The state
(war) problem. These problems of humanity must see that in regard to the allotment of
show the urgent need for a “global rights and liberties the principle of equality has
intelligence”, and they very basic value of been most scrupulously observed. Justice is
human intelligence on a global scale. always hand in glove with equality. In a state, all
the opportunities and position shall be opened
7. Human respect – The most basic principle of to all. There shall be no place of discrimination.
any social community is feelings of
connectedness which come out of our 9. Justice – It is the proper administration of the
perception, empathy an awareness that the law, the fair and equitable treatment of all
other human is basically as we are ourselves. individuals under the law. In general justice is
This creates trust and a friendly attitude needed to realize and maintain our highest
towards other. Out of this empathy and the human values of freedom, peace, life, love, and
 happiness; and injustice can prevent or inhibit most central and clearest reflection of God among us.
these highest human values. Human being have transcendent worth and value that
comes from God; this dignity is not based on any human
10. Nature – Understanding our physical quality, legal mandate, or individual merit or
dependence of nature and our awareness of accomplishment. Human dignity is inalienable – that
being part of it are needed to see the basic means it is an essential part of every human being and
value of nature. Man is part of nature, and our is an intrinsic quality that can never be separated from
very human existence is dependent on nature other essential aspects of human person.
and its ecology. And hence our highest human
values of life itself and freedom, safety, peace, Human beings are qualitatively different from any other
love and happiness can only be realized in living being in the world because they are capable of
harmony with nature. knowing and loving God, unlike any other creature.
Belief in the dignity of the human person is the
11. Health – World Health Organization (WHO) foundation of morality.
defined health as being “a state of complete Development of Moral Character
physical, mental, and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. In What is Moral Character?
1986 WHO also said that health is “a resource
Moral Character or character is evaluation an
for everyday life, not the objective of living.
individual’s stable moral qualities. The concept of
Health is positive concept emphasizing social
character can imply a variety of attributes including the
and personal resources, as well as physical
existence or lack of virtues such as empathy, courage,
capacities”. Also there is a term known as
fortitude, honesty and loyalty or of good behaviors or
mental health and it describes either a level of
habits. Moral character primarily refer to the
cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence
assemblage of qualities that distinguish one individual
of mental disorder.
from another – although on a cultural level, the set of
The Human Dignity moral behaviors to which a social group adheres can be
said to unite and define it culturally as distinct from
The English word dignity comes from the Latin word, others. Psychologist Lawrence Pervin defines moral
dignitas, which means “worthiness”. Dignity implies character as “a disposition to express behavior in
that each person is worthy of honor and respect for consistent patterns of functions across a range of
they who they are, not just for what they can do. In situations” (Timpe, 2008).
other words, human dignity cannot be earned and
cannot be taken away. It’s an inalienable gift given to us A moral character is defined as an idea in which one is
by God, and every other good thing in life depends on unique and can be distinguished from others. Perhaps it
the safeguarding of our fundamental dignity. As the can assemble qualities and traits that are different from
Universal Declaration of Human Rights puts it, various individuals. It implies to how individuals act, or
“recognition of the inherent dignity of all members of how they express themselves. In another words, it is
the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, “human excellence”, or unique thoughts of character.
and peace in the world”. When the concept of virtue is spoken, this would
emphasize the distinctiveness or specialty, but it all
Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and involves the combination of qualities that make an
respected for their own sake, and to be treated individual the way he or she is. Based on this definition,
ethically. the insight of a moral character can be viewed
Human dignity originates from God and is of God differently. Although these philosophers diverge with
because we are made in God’s own image and likeness. their arguments, they in some sense have similarities.
Human life is sacred because the human person is the
These similarities will show how the matter of a 7. Become a positive role model. People with
character is important and crucial to the human nature. character set the standard for excellence. They
live their life as open book, teaching others
Importance of Having Strong Moral Character important life lessons through their words and
When you have strong moral character, you’ll be judged their deeds.
by who you are rather than who you pretend to be. 8. Live a purpose-driven life. People with character
Bellowe are some of the consequences of having a live a life they can be proud of. They are riven
strong moral character (Sonnnberg, 2016): to make a difference and to do right by others
rather than trying to impress others with
1. Achieve peace of mind. People with character extravagance.
sleep well at night. They take great pride in 9. Build a strong business. Doing the right thing is
knowing that their intentions and actions are good business. Everything else is equal, talented
honorable. People with character also stay true people would rather work for – and customers
to their beliefs, do right by others, an always would rather buy from – companies that do
take the high ground. rightly by their people, customers, and their
2. Strengthen trust. People with character enjoy communities. While unprincipled business
meaningful relationships based on openness, tactics may provide short-term results, it is not
honesty and mutual respect. When you have a long term strategy.
good moral character, people know that your
behavior is reliable, your heart is in the right Although you may not be able to quantify the benefits
place, and your word is good as gold. of being a good person, there’s great truth in the saying
3. Build a solid reputation. People with character “good people finish first”. Strong moral character is like
command a rock-solid reputation. This helps a boomerang that causes good things to din their way
them attract exciting opportunities “like a back to you. So promise yourself to be true to yourself
magnet”. and do what’s right even when nobody is looking –
4. Reduce anxiety. People with character carry less Character matters.
baggage. They are comfortable within their own
Development of Moral Character
skin, and they accept responsibility for their
actions. They never have to play games, waste If you believe developing your character is an endeavor
precious time keeping that stories straight, or you want to pursue, here are some steps to show you
excuse to cover their behind. how:
5. Increase leadership effectiveness. Leaders with
character are highly effective. They have no 1. Define your core values. Know what is most
need to pull rank or resort to command and important to you by determining your values for
control to get results. Instead, they are effective your professional and personal life. These are
the principles that are the foundation for your
because they are knowledgeable, admired,
trusted, and respected. This helps them secure priorities, choices, actions and behaviors.
but-in automatically, without requiring 2. Practice the habits. Pick one or two traits of
egregious rules or strong oversight designed to good character to practice for several weeks.
force compliance. Write down the actions you want to take or the
6. Build confidence. People with character don’t behaviors you define that reflect this trait, and
worry about embarrassment if their actions implement them in your daily life and
publicly are disclosed. This alleviates the need interactions. Wear a rubber band on your wrist
for damage control or the fear of potential or create other reminders to help you practice.
disgrace as a result of indiscretion. 3. Find people with character. Surround yourself
with people who reflect the character traits you
want to embrace. They will inspire and motivate
 you up to build these traits in yourself. Try to 1. Integrity – Integrity is having strong moral principles
avoid people who have a weak and make a bad and core values and then conducting your life with
decisions. those as your guide. When you have integrity; you
4. Take some risks. Start taking small actions main your adherence to it whether or not other
toward a goal or value that involve some level people are watching.
of risk. When you face the possibility of failure 2. Honesty – Honesty is more than telling the truth.
and challenge yourself toward success, you It’s living the truth. It is being straightforward and
become mentally and emotionally stronger and trustworthy in all of your interactions, relationships
more committee to your principles. and thoughts. Being honest requires self-honesty
5. Stretch yourself. Create high standards and big and authenticity.
goals for yourself. Expect the best of yourself 3. Loyalty – Loyalty is faithfulness and devotion to
and constantly work that, even though you will your loved ones, your friends, and anyone with
have setbacks and occasional failures. Every whom you have a trusted relationship. Loyalty can
stretch builds your confidence and knowledge also extend to your employer, the organizations you
that your character is getting stronger. belong to, your community and your country.
6. Commit to self-improvement. Realize that 4. Respectfulness – You treat yourself and others with
building your character is a life-long endeavor. courtesy, kindness, deference, dignity, and civility.
It is something that is practiced both in the You offer basic respect as a sign of your value for
minutiae (minor detail) and the defining the worth of all people and your ability to accept
moment of your life. There will be times you the inherent we all possess.
step up to the character traits you embrace and 5. Responsibility – You accept personal, relational,
other times you falter. By remaining committed career, community, and societal obligations even
to personal growth and learning about yourself, when they are difficult or uncomfortable. You
your character will naturally improve, even follow through on commitments and proactively
though the failures. create or accept accountability for your behavior
and choices.
Some Good Character Traits to Practice 6. Humility – You have a confident yet modest opinion
1. Attract the trust and respect of other people. of your own self-importance. You don’t see yourself
2. Allows you to influence others. as “too goo” for other people or situations. You
3. Change your perspective about failures. have a learning and growth mindset and the desire
4. Sustains you through difficult times or to express and experience gratitude for what you
opposition. have, rather than expecting you deserve more.
5. Improves your self-esteem, self-respect and 7. Compassion – You feel deep sympathy and pity for
confidence. the suffering and misfortune of others, and you
6. Creates a foundation for happy, healthy have a desire to do something to alleviate their
relationship. suffering.
7. Helps you stay committed to your values and 8. Fairness – Using discernment, compassion and
goals. integrity, you strive to make decisions and take
8. Improves your chance of success in work and actions based on what you consider the ultimate
other endeavors. best course or outcome for all involved.
9. Forgiveness – You make conscious, intentional
Character Traits that Impact One’s Happiness decisions to let go of resentment and anger toward
someone for an offense – whether or not
Good Character consists of defining your values and
forgiveness to sought by the offender. Forgiveness
integrity based on time-tested principles an self-
may or may not include pardoning, restoration or
reflection and having the courage to live your life
accordingly:
 reconciliation. It extends both to others and to 20. Self-discipline – You are able through good habits or
one’s self. willpower, or to overcome your desire or feelings in
10. Authenticity – You are able to be your real and true order to follow the best course of action or to rise
self, without pretension, posturing or insincerity. to your commitment or principles. You have a
You are capable of showing your appropriate strong sense of self-control in order to reach a
vulnerability and self-awareness. desired goal.
11. Courageous – In spite of fear of danger, discomfort
or pain, you have the mental fortitude to carry on
with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is
the right or best course of action.
12. Generosity – You are willing to offer your time,
energy, efforts, emotions, words or assets without
the expectation of something in return. You offer
these freely and often joyously.
13. Perseverance – Perseverance is the steadfast
persistence and determination to continue with a
course of action, belief, or purpose even if it’s
difficult or uncomfortable in order to reach a higher
goal or outcome.
14. Politeness – You are knowledgeable of basic good
manners, common courtesies, and etiquette and
are willing to apply those to all people you
encounter. You desire to learn the skills of
politeness in order to enhance your relationships
and self-esteem.
15. Kindness – Kindness is an attitude of being
considerate, helpful, and benevolent to others. It is
motivated by a positive disposition and the desire
for warm and pleasant interactions.
16. Lovingness – The ability to be loving toward those
you love means showing them through your words,
actions, and expressions how deeply you care them.
It includes the willingness to be open and
vulnerable.
17. Optimism – Optimism is a sense of hopefulness and
confidence about the future. It involves a positive
mental attitude in which you interpret life events,
people, and situations in a promising light.
18. Reliability – You can be consistently depend upon to
follow through on your commitments, actions, and
decisions. You do what you say you will do.
19. Conscientiousness – You have the desire to do
things well or to the best of your ability. You are
thorough, careful, organized and vigilant in your
efforts, based on your own principles or sense of
what is right.