Value Orientations – Why It Pays to Be Kind and Honest

What Values Unite Us and Why

We commonly refer to universal values as the norms and aspirations followed by the majority of people worldwide. Some principles have long become common to the vast majority of cultures, forming the value orientations of humanity. Authoritative religions and responsible parents teach these fundamental principles, instilling that killing and stealing are wrong, while caring for children and the elderly, loving and defending one’s homeland are good—emphasizing the importance of humanistic principles: kindness and decency, love and loyalty, justice and compassion.

Of course, different values or their manifestations have prevailed at various times in human history and across cultures. For instance, today we confidently name love as one such value, but just a couple of hundred years ago, in marriage, practical benefits—family survival, wealth accumulation, or status improvement—were far more important than mutual affection between partners. The reason is that the values that unite us are ultimately aimed not only at satisfying our needs but also at the survival and prosperity of the human race. And when living conditions change, so does what matters to us. Today, it has become much easier for a family to survive, which is why those who marry purely for calculation, without romantic attachment, would now be considered extremely mercenary.

What Other Values Are Relevant Today? First and foremost, these include:

• personal freedom—the right to make one’s own choices, live one’s life, create independently, and achieve personal goals (along with sufficient self-discipline and responsibility);
• the pursuit of pleasure, diverse new experiences, and stimuli;
• the desire to feel successful, recognized, authoritative, and influential (though each person may define success and recognition differently);
• the need to feel a sense of belonging, to conform to societal norms to avoid disapproval and rejection;
• respect for traditions (of one’s people, family);
• empathy, humanism, maintaining kind relationships with others, willingness to help and forgive, loyalty and honesty, moral responsibility;
• safety, stability, peace, and prosperity (in family, country, and the world), the value of life.

To varying degrees, these values are important to every person. And not just because we were taught to follow such rules, not only because these principles are essential for societal well-being as the foundation of morality, but also because all these things are necessary for our own psychological comfort.

So Why Do Universal Values Matter to Each of Us?

• Universal values help us build a favorable life direction — they subconsciously shape our desires and aspirations, usually to our benefit. For example, if family is an important value to us, it dictates the need to create, strengthen, and maintain that family, providing not only a reliable support system but also psychological comfort from fulfilling this need.
• Universal values make it easier for us to evaluate events and make choices. This is more important than it may seem, as it allows us to act more efficiently and quickly, saving the enormous energy our brain expends on decision-making. When we instinctively choose to protect a child or help an elderly person, we usually don’t regret such choices later and feel pride in ourselves while gaining societal approval.
• Adhering to universal values helps us experience positive emotions, joy, and happiness hormones. Kind deeds, constructive work, genuine closeness, family, and friendship give us a sense of fulfillment, make us feel needed and valued, boost our self-esteem and psychological comfort, and inspire us. All this helps reduce anxiety, combat burnout, and prevent depression. Conversely, when we ignore these values, we may feel frustration, despondency, or fear of being judged and rejected by others. Accumulating such emotions can lead to depression, neuroses, and illnesses.
• Empathy and humanism help us understand and accept others so that we, in turn, are understood and accepted. This deserves special attention. Undoubtedly, empathy—the ability to understand and share others’ feelings—makes us more sensitive not only to others’ joys but also to their sorrows. And following humanistic principles may sometimes require enduring inconveniences or limiting ourselves for others. But this is no reason to abandon compassion and good deeds, as we can gain far more from them.

When we acknowledge people’s right to weaknesses and mistakes, strive to understand, accept, or forgive them, and when we extend a helping hand—we build trusting relationships and receive a powerful emotional boost—feelings of satisfaction, pride, joy, and significance. Those who are understood and supported also typically experience positive emotions, a sense of security, and growing attachment—this is how strong interpersonal bonds are formed, essential for our harmonious life in society and mental well-being. Moreover, the ability to empathize teaches us to understand our own emotions, fosters self-improvement, and spiritual growth.

As we can see, adhering to universal values is worthwhile not only for the well-being of society but also in our own interests. It helps us meet our needs, become better, stronger, and happier, and find meaning and joy in life. For example, honesty allows us to remain true to ourselves, our beliefs, and principles. Justice helps us respect the rights and freedoms of others, increasing the chances that our own rights will be upheld. Responsiveness teaches us to offer support, strengthening our reputation, creating lasting connections, and enriching our lives.

So, when you feel there’s not enough kindness in the world—do a good deed, warming both your soul and another’s, filling existence with meaning. And if you want to be heard—start by listening to others and striving to understand, breaking down communication barriers.

To develop empathy, try putting yourself in another’s shoes more often, learn to understand and forgive, and don’t forget to express gratitude. Be attentive to others and don’t hesitate to show kindness and care. All this helps us feel part of a healthy, empathetic, and supportive society where everyone feels valued and heard, where anyone can both give and receive help.

Of course, this doesn’t mean allowing others to manipulate you, taking advantage of your mercy or honesty. Relationships with those who see sincerity and kindness as weaknesses should certainly be approached with caution—without compromising your own principles.

In today’s world, full of stress and negativity, following the principles of compassion, mercy, and sincerity allows us to create an oasis around ourselves—an atmosphere of warmth and mutual understanding, trust and safety, belonging and unity, kindness and mutual aid, peace and joy—shaping the world we want to live in. After all, as the saying goes, those who wish to change the world should start with themselves.