Human Values :Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, administrators
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi as he is fondly called, was the greatest political figure in India’s history. Hailed as the Father of the Nation, Gandhi inspired Indians with his non-violent movements for civil rights and freedom from the British rule. He had an outstanding approach fighting for the rights of the people. Gandhi was an inspiration for many and a claimant of truth and simplicity. His autobiography, ‘My Experiments with Truth’, gives a detailed insight into his life from the time he was a child. The life of Mahatma Gandhi is full of lessons that still inspire people across the world. Here are top 10 lessons to learn from Mahatma’s life:
We become what we think: Gandhi said that we are the expression of our own thoughts. If we think we will fail and will not reach our goal then our own definition of success can never be realised. Positive and negative thoughts together bombard our minds, but we should try to eliminate the negative ones and retain the positives. Our thoughts shape our nature and, therefore, we become what we think.
Never give up and be consistent: Mahatma Gandhi never gave up; he was imprisoned several times but he fought consistently fought for freedom. In the same way we should persistently pursue whatever goals we have set for ourselves until we reach our intended destination and achieve our dreams. It is befitting to have a great plan so that we can see the success through it. And consistency always helps us in realizing our dreams.
Action speaks the priority: If the goal in our life is very important and we are not taking any step to complete or fulfil that goal then we need to reassess our priorities. This depicts that we are not serious in completing our goal and we have not evaluated our objective closely. If this is the reason then we must run through the priorities and take the necessary action to reach those goals.
Route to goal is as divine as goal itself: Mahatma Gandhi was a man of strong character. He didn’t employ any method to achieve independence that was against his conscience. He upheld non-violence as the most potent weapon for India’s independence. Gandhi always kept his inner conscience above everything. We, too, should follow a moral path to meet our dreams and reach our destination. And not that way which can bring any ingloriousness.
An honest ‘No’ is better than a dishonest ‘Yes’: People often say ‘Yes’ instead of ‘No’ out of compulsion or simply to appease the other. They often confabulate or take part in activities and dealings without a personal interest. Gandhi said that saying yes when you actually do not mean it can lead you nowhere. On the other hand it creates a drift, indignation and umbrage amongst the people whom you have been closed once. So, a yes must always be expressed with a strong conviction.
Peace is within and not affected by outside circumstances: Do we really seek peace within ourselves? The answer will, most probably, be ‘No’ because we have defined peace by external and delusive factors. We meet someone for the first time and his opinion matters to us so much that our confidence pulverizes. Instead we should try to do introspection and listen to our inner voice and find peace within unaffected by outside forces.
Happiness is anything done with harmony: Happiness and harmony in today’s world is very unimaginable and superlative. Living in harmony is something that we can achieve and it is something that is composed with our values. If our own values have difference then we will not be able to reach the level of harmony. Mahatma Gandhi concluded that only when our thoughts, actions and words are balanced and connected to each other, can we achieve true harmony.
Forgiveness is the component of the strong and not of weak: To forgive the person who has hurt you once is not easy. It takes great courage to exonerate and move ahead in life. But he who is able to do so is truly a man of great and strong values. If we don’t forgive then we make a fence of disapprobation around us and it is difficult to continue in life. We should forgive and forget other people’s mistake to lead an uncomplicated life.
Mental strength is more important than physical: Strength can be in various forms. In life it is more important to have a strong mind – also called will power – than a super strong body. A man with a strong will can literally move Mountains even if he may not be a Hercules. Strength is choosing what is right despite the choice being difficult. Gandhi was not a physically strong man but it was his sheer will power that forced the British on their knees.
Change yourself before you wish to see the change in the world: Gandhi said that before we expect to see our desired qualities in others, we should assimilate them in ourselves. We all are wonderful and extremely beautiful from the inside and the more we will see the same thing in others, we shall get the same in return. We should be loving and kind towards everyone and we will be able to see the amazing world outside.
Dalai lama
Be compassionate
Research now shows that when you are compassionate, you experience a similar feeling of pleasure as when you have sex, good food or a relaxing holiday. Basically, showing compassion is good for your Health. Take compassionate action and get the “giver’s high.” Benefits are reduced Stress, more regular heart beat and improved immune system. You can show compassion by understanding the person’s feelings and emotions. That means talking to them and trying to share what they are going through. It is more demanding than a mere act of kindness. If you are compassionate, you are going to get emotionally involved. You also ask what help is needed. You could apply this to:
- A friend who is ill
- Someone who has lost their job
- A relative who has been bereaved
- Someone going through a separation
- A homeless person
Be kind and help others
Being kind and generous costs little and the benefits you gain in happiness are considerable. That was the conclusion that Michael Norton and colleagues at the Harvard Business School came to, after doing some very interesting research. The volunteers who gave away some Money were happier than those who had spent it on themselves.
Find happiness
In the rat race, the one thing you really want at the end of the day is the capacity to find happiness. When he was interviewed about this, the Dalai Lama said that we are bombarded with messages about material possessions. There are very few messages about forgiving, being compassionate, patient, tolerant, and kind. You really have to give those values top priority in order to be happy.
Don’t argue or fight; just negotiate
“Non-violence means dialogue, using our language, the human language. Dialogue means compromise; respecting each other’s rights; in the spirit of reconciliation there is a real solution to conflict and disagreement. There is no hundred percent winner, no hundred percent loser—not that way but half-and-half. That is the practical way, the only way.”,
Human values are the principles that guide our actions and decisions. They are the foundation of our character and the core of our relationships. Human values are universal, but they are also expressed in different ways in different cultures.
Some of the most important human values include:
- Respect
- Honesty
- Courage
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Gratitude
- Fairness
- Responsibility
- Self-discipline
- Perseverance
- Humility
- Open-mindedness
- Creativity
- Love
- Peace
Human values are important because they help us to live a good life. They guide us in our choices and help us to make decisions that are in line with our beliefs and principles. Human values also help us to connect with others and build strong relationships.
The lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators can inspire us to live our lives in accordance with human values. Some of the most famous examples include:
- Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement who promoted non-violence and civil disobedience. He is considered the father of modern India and his teachings have inspired people around the world. Gandhi believed that all people are equal and that violence is never the answer. He advocated for peaceful protest and civil disobedience as a way to achieve Social Change. Gandhi’s teachings have inspired people around the world to fight for Justice and Equality.
- Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is the world’s most famous advocate for racial equality and his teachings have inspired people around the world. Mandela believed that all people are equal and that racism is a crime against humanity. He fought for racial equality throughout his life, even spending 27 years in prison for his beliefs. Mandela’s teachings have inspired people around the world to fight for justice and equality.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American Baptist minister and social activist who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs. King believed that all people are created equal and that racism is a sin. He advocated for peaceful protest and civil disobedience as a way to achieve social change. King’s teachings have inspired people around the world to fight for justice and equality.
- Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India in 1950. For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries. Mother Teresa believed that all people are loved by God and that we have a responsibility to care for those in need. She dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick, and her teachings have inspired people around the world to do the same.
- The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism and the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He is considered to be the 14th Dalai Lama in a line of SUCCESSION that dates back to the 14th century. The Dalai Lama is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a global advocate for peace, compassion, and Human Rights. The Dalai Lama believes that all people are inherently good and that we have a responsibility to help others. He advocates for peace, compassion, and understanding, and his teachings have inspired people around the world to live more compassionate and ethical lives.
The lives and teachings of these great leaders, reformers, and administrators can inspire us to live our lives in accordance with human values. We can learn from their examples to be more respectful, honest, courageous, compassionate, kind, grateful, fair, responsible, self-disciplined, persevering, humble, open-minded, creative, loving, and peaceful. By living our lives in accordance with human values, we can make the world a better place.
What are human values?
Human values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and decisions. They are the principles that we hold dear and that we strive to live by. Human values include things like honesty, Integrity, compassion, respect, and courage.
Why are human values important?
Human values are important because they help us to live a good and meaningful life. They provide us with a compass to guide us through difficult decisions and help us to make choices that are in line with our beliefs. Human values also help us to connect with others and build strong relationships.
What are some examples of human values?
Some examples of human values include:
- Honesty: Being truthful and fair in all of your dealings.
- Integrity: Being true to yourself and your beliefs.
- Compassion: Feeling Empathy for others and wanting to help them.
- Respect: Treating others with dignity and courtesy.
- Courage: Having the strength to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is difficult.
Where do human values come from?
Human values come from a variety of sources, including our families, our culture, our religion, and our own personal experiences. They are also shaped by the values that we see in the people we admire.
How can we develop strong human values?
There are a few things that we can do to develop strong human values:
- Model the behavior of people we admire. When we see people who are living their lives in a way that is consistent with our values, it can inspire us to do the same.
- Reflect on our own values. It is important to take some time to think about what is important to us and why. This can help us to clarify our values and make sure that we are living in a way that is consistent with them.
- Practice our values. The best way to develop strong human values is to practice them in our daily lives. This means making choices that are in line with our values, even when it is difficult.
- Be patient. Developing strong human values takes time and effort. It is important to be patient with ourselves and to not get discouraged if we make mistakes.
What are some challenges to living a life based on human values?
There are a few challenges to living a life based on human values. One challenge is that it can be difficult to stand up for what we believe in, especially when it is unpopular. Another challenge is that we may face opposition from others who do not share our values. Finally, it can be difficult to live a life that is always consistent with our values. We all make mistakes, and it is important to forgive ourselves and move on.
What are some benefits of living a life based on human values?
There are many benefits to living a life based on human values. One benefit is that it can help us to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. When we live in accordance with our values, we feel more connected to ourselves and to others. Another benefit is that it can help us to build strong relationships. When we are honest, compassionate, and respectful, others are more likely to want to be around us. Finally, living a life based on human values can make us happier and more content. When we focus on the things that are important to us, we are less likely to be stressed or unhappy.
How can we make the world a better place by living a life based on human values?
When we live a life based on human values, we make the world a better place in a number of ways. First, we set a positive example for others. When people see us living our lives in a way that is consistent with our values, it can inspire them to do the same. Second, we can help to create a more just and equitable Society. When we stand up for what we believe in, we can make a difference in the lives of others. Finally, we can help to create a more peaceful and harmonious world. When we are kind and compassionate, we can help to reduce conflict and violence.
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Which of the following is not a human value?
(A) Honesty
(B) Kindness
(C) Intelligence
(D) Respect -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with religion?
(A) Compassion
(B) Forgiveness
(C) Charity
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with politics?
(A) Justice
(B) Equality
(C) Liberty
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with business?
(A) Integrity
(B) Fairness
(C) Responsibility
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with Education?
(A) Curiosity
(B) Open-mindedness
(C) Critical thinking
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with family?
(A) Love
(B) Loyalty
(C) Trust
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with friendship?
(A) Respect
(B) Trust
(C) Loyalty
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with community?
(A) Cooperation
(B) Participation
(C) Civic engagement
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with the Environment?
(A) Stewardship
(B) Conservation
(C) Sustainability
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a human value that is often associated with peace?
(A) Nonviolence
(B) Tolerance
(C) Understanding
(D) All of the above
Answers:
1. (C)
2. (D)
3. (A)
4. (D)
5. (D)
6. (D)
7. (D)
8. (D)
9. (D)
10. (D)