The Power of Values (2)

 

In a rural village in West Sumatra, during a severe flood season, the local primary school was partially submerged. Books were soaked, chairs floated in muddy water, and many families were struggling to recover their belongings. The school could not reopen, and most assumed it would remain closed for weeks.

But the next morning, something remarkable happened. A group of students arrived early—not for class, but to help. They began sweeping the muddy floors, stacking the damaged books to dry, and rebuilding makeshift desks from bamboo. No teacher had asked them to come. Their parents hadn’t pushed them. They came because they believed the school was worth saving.

When asked why they were doing it, one girl replied, “This is our second home. If we don’t take care of it, who will?”

Their quiet determination inspired the entire village. Soon, parents, teachers, and even elders joined in the clean-up. What began as a disaster turned into a community effort, all driven by a shared sense of responsibility, love for learning, and the belief that education was not something to wait for—but to fight for.

That moment proved that values like responsibility, solidarity, and hope don’t come from rules—they come from within. And when shared, they can transform even the most difficult situations into stories of resilience.

In his 2015 book The Road to Character (published by Random House), David Brooks makes a compelling distinction between two types of virtues that shape our lives: résumé virtues and eulogy virtues.

Résumé virtues are the qualities you list on your CV. They are the skills, accomplishments, and experiences that the job market rewards—like efficiency, intelligence, leadership, ambition, and technical competence. These virtues help individuals climb the ladder of success in the external world. They are important, of course, but they are often geared toward what you do rather than who you are.

In contrast, eulogy virtues are the qualities that people remember about you after you’re gone. These include humility, kindness, courage, honesty, generosity, and faithfulness. They are not about professional triumphs but about the moral imprint you leave behind. They answer the question, “Was this person good? Did they live for others? Did they struggle to grow inwardly, with decency and purpose?”

Brooks argues that modern society overemphasises résumé virtues while neglecting eulogy virtues. We are taught how to build a career, but rarely how to build a character. According to him, the road to real fulfilment comes not from achieving success but from developing the inner self—through moral struggle, service, and self-examination.

He calls for a “counterculture of character” where people turn away from superficial achievements and begin to cultivate moral depth. In doing so, they can lead not just successful lives—but meaningful ones.

Brooks argues that a meaningful life is not built on outward success alone, but on the quiet, interior journey toward moral depth. At the heart of that journey lie three indispensable virtues: humility, moral struggle, and self-discipline.

Humility, according to Brooks, is the foundation of character. It is the honest recognition that we are flawed, limited, and dependent on others. It is not self-hatred or false modesty, but a clear-eyed understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses. In a culture obsessed with self-promotion and applause, humility reminds us that greatness is not found in the spotlight, but in service, listening, and restraint. It opens the door to growth because it acknowledges that we don’t know everything—and that’s where learning begins.

Closely linked to humility is moral struggle. Brooks believes that inner conflict—the battle between our higher and lower selves—is essential to becoming truly good. Rather than pretending to be perfect, he encourages people to confront their moral failures, wrestle with their pride, and work tirelessly to become better. This struggle is not a sign of weakness; it is the birthplace of character. It is through confronting our shortcomings that we build integrity and resilience.

The third pillar is self-discipline—the ability to master our impulses, delay gratification, and commit to long-term values. In a world that urges us to follow every desire and chase every moment, self-discipline teaches us to choose what is right over what is easy. Brooks sees self-discipline not as suppression, but as freedom—the freedom to become someone worthy of trust, someone who can be counted on.

Together, these three virtues—humility, moral struggle, and self-discipline—form the backbone of a meaningful life. They do not make us rich, famous, or popular, but they shape us into people of substance. And in the end, Brooks insists, it is who we are, not what we achieve, that gives life its deepest value.

Values matter profoundly because they underpin the choices individuals make on a daily basis, shaping how they behave, communicate, and make sense of the world. Whether consciously adopted or subconsciously absorbed through culture, family, or education, values become the compass that guides human action. They influence how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we make ethical decisions. In this way, values are not abstract ideals—they are lived realities that define character and purpose.

On a larger scale, shared values are the invisible threads that weave society together. In communities, institutions, and even nations, values like honesty, respect, justice, and empathy provide a moral scaffolding upon which trust and cooperation are built. When these values are embraced collectively, they cultivate environments where people feel safe, included, and motivated to contribute. During periods of crisis or uncertainty, these values act as stabilising anchors that prevent communities from descending into chaos or division.

Conversely, when values are neglected or replaced with narrow self-interest, the social fabric begins to fray. People may become morally disoriented, pursuing short-term gains at the expense of long-term good. Without a shared moral compass, suspicion replaces trust, cynicism overtakes optimism, and division breeds conflict. Thus, values are not luxuries—they are necessities for both personal well-being and collective harmony.

Everyone holds values, whether they are fully aware of them or not. These values begin to form early in life, often shaped by family traditions, cultural norms, or personal experiences. A child who learns the importance of honesty from their parents is already developing a framework for understanding right and wrong. As individuals grow older, their values evolve, refined by new experiences and encounters, yet the presence of values—however unconscious—remains a constant force in decision-making.

Across various spheres of life, values are reinforced and given structure. Families pass them down through everyday interactions, while schools promote them through lessons in character and citizenship. Religious institutions give values a spiritual and moral foundation, offering rituals, teachings, and community examples to guide believers. Even in the business world, corporations define and promote their “core values” as a way to cultivate organisational identity, build employee loyalty, and appeal to socially conscious consumers.

While the specific content of values may differ from person to person or culture to culture, the underlying truth is universal: no one operates without values. They may be as visible as a manifesto or as subtle as a gut feeling, but they shape behaviour, drive choices, and reflect what people prioritise. Recognising that we all carry values—consciously or not—is essential in fostering mutual respect, understanding, and meaningful dialogue across diverse communities.

Values are not static or unchanging; rather, they evolve over time as individuals and societies encounter new experiences and challenges. What one holds dear at one stage of life may shift as a result of personal growth, hardship, or reflection. A person who once prioritised ambition above all else may, after experiencing loss or parenthood, come to value empathy or work-life balance more deeply. In this sense, values are dynamic—they mature with us, shaped by the winding journey of life.

On a broader scale, the values upheld by societies also change in response to historical, political, and technological developments. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, global movements and ideas influence what different cultures come to see as essential. Shifts in governance, exposure to new ideologies, or transformative events—such as economic crises or pandemics—can prompt societies to re-evaluate what they cherish and protect. For instance, values around mental health awareness, digital privacy, or inclusivity have gained prominence in ways that would have seemed unlikely just a few decades ago.

A striking example is the growing value placed on environmental sustainability. Once considered a fringe concern, it is now central to the policies, branding, and lifestyles of many individuals and institutions. This shift reflects both an increased awareness of climate change and a deeper collective sense of responsibility towards future generations. As our world changes, so too must our values adapt—not as a sign of inconsistency, but as a reflection of learning, progress, and evolving conscience.

Values arise from a rich blend of influences, including one’s upbringing, cultural background, religious beliefs, philosophical outlook, formal education, and personal experiences. These diverse sources interact over time to shape the moral and ethical frameworks by which people live. From childhood stories told by elders to lessons absorbed in school or shaped by hardship, each element contributes to a person’s unique value system. No individual’s values form in isolation—they are always embedded within broader social and historical contexts.

The cultural environment in which a person is raised plays a particularly significant role. For example, someone raised in a collectivist society—where group harmony, family honour, and interdependence are emphasised—may grow up placing great importance on loyalty, sacrifice, and social responsibility. In contrast, an individual brought up in a more individualist culture might come to value personal freedom, independence, and self-expression above communal ties. These cultural differences illustrate how values are deeply shaped by the environment, not just personal choice.

Moreover, values are continuously reinforced, questioned, or reshaped through everyday exposure to media, literature, and social norms. Role models—be they parents, teachers, public figures, or even fictional characters—serve as mirrors and moulds for what is seen as admirable or acceptable. From viral content on social media to the moral lessons embedded in films and novels, society is constantly sending messages about what should be valued. These messages subtly guide behaviour and perceptions, often without individuals fully realising it.

Values exert a powerful influence across all aspects of society, shaping the way laws are written, customs are preserved, leaders are chosen, and knowledge is passed on. Whether through the educational curriculum, the justice system, or the arts, values serve as the underlying compass that directs collective choices and social norms. They are not simply private beliefs; they are embedded in the very institutions that govern our lives and reflect what a society deems acceptable, admirable, or worth preserving.

At the heart of major societal frameworks such as human rights, ethical conduct, and democratic participation lies a set of shared values. These principles uphold dignity, equality, freedom, and fairness, ensuring that individuals are protected and empowered. In moments of crisis—whether it be war, a global pandemic, or environmental catastrophe—it is these values that guide whether people act with fear and division or rise to show empathy, courage, and collective responsibility. They are the invisible forces behind solidarity efforts, volunteerism, and the push for justice amid chaos.

Furthermore, values challenge societies to redefine what real progress means. True development cannot be measured solely by economic indicators or technological advancement; it must also be evaluated by how just, compassionate, and inclusive a society becomes. A nation that grows richer but neglects the vulnerable, ignores inequality, or compromises the environment is not truly progressing. In this way, values offer a deeper, more humane lens through which success and civilisation are assessed.

In a world driven by speed, competition, and constant change, values serve as our internal compass. They anchor us when trends shift, guide our decisions when choices become difficult, and remind us of what truly matters when the noise of ambition grows too loud. While success may open doors, it is values—like integrity, compassion, and humility—that determine how we walk through them. Without a clear foundation of values, even the brightest achievements can feel hollow and directionless.

Ultimately, values are what give life its shape and soul. They are not just moral slogans, but lived convictions that shape how we treat others, how we face hardship, and how we define purpose. Whether we are leaders or learners, strangers or siblings, rich or struggling—values level the field and connect us to something greater than ourselves. In the end, we are remembered not just for what we built, but for what we stood for.

[Part 1]

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