Are our core values just window dressing?
Five minute free write. Core Values.
We are given a free write prompt daily from @mariannewest.
Yesterday's five minute free write prompt was Core Values.
I am posting a little late, and I perhaps went off on my own little tangent, but for what it is worth, this is my five minutes on the subject.
Are our Core Values just window dressing?
We speak of Core Values, as though they are personal virtues.
Mores, ethics, morals that are attributed to our integrity.
But how much of human behaviour, true human essence, at it's "core," can be attributed to a chosen or learned set of beliefs or cultural construct?
These things frame and decorate our presentation, the way we project and protect ourselves within the complexity of interactions of human society.
But are we governed by instinctive human traits?
What is truly at our core?
Is human behaviour any different from any other worldly creature?
Are core values something that is added to control the creature instincts? Or do they maybe even reflect a dimension of human behaviour in which we seek to demonstrate dominance, not by force or physical means, but rather by a show of moral or intellectual superiority.
Presented with a crisis, how much of our "core values" would we retain?
In a fight for survival, would they mean anything?
If they are truly a core attribute one would assume them to be unshakeable, the very foundation of self.
Other wise they are just a garb. A costume or even armour. Worn to sustain the self within the societal frame work. A construct develop to contain and control the human core, that is not compatible with the sustainability of a group.
All human societal constructs that have ever been, have had their weaknesses exploited due to less valued, core human qualities. Flaws or perhaps instincts?
Survival. Or perhaps fear of not surviving.
This is our shared core human trait.
The rest, just decor and pantomime.
We all fear that someone else might take, if we don't. So we take.
You must win, or else you lose. Losing at life is a lethal risk. The fear of that loss is our core.
The rest is just set dressing that masks that fear.
We play in the pantomime, repeating the lines and wearing thick bright theatrical make up. Masking our true core, in fear of our true self being revealed.
Thanks for reading.
This is a five minute writing exercise, the words just spouted. It touches on a discussion that could be debated for lifetimes. Any comments or interjection is respectfully welcomed.
from my core values some are part of my essence and some are chosen as I have a clear idea of what kind of world i would hope to live in and they help me maintain it. If you really want to know who a person is you will see it best if you strip their inhibitions with drugs or hypnosis . People always say oh no it was not me who did XVZ it was my addiction or the booze talking but in truth you just saw exactly who tat person was without the mask ...
Very interesting philosophy of life. I share the idea that fundamental values are social dresses rather than part of the inner self. It is true that we are willing to respond to normal circumstances according to our training and the intrinsic values we have adopted, but we are not sure how to respond to cases of extreme crisis, when the whole panorama changes, also, for better or for worse. , we will do it. Greetings, @girlbeforemirror.
I so love the way your mind was going. I too think that much of the "value" talk we are getting from all sides is window dressing and often not a very substantial one at that.
Many religions are based on the theory that our inner beast - our core? - needs to be tamed and shaped and controlled.
And I think you asked the key question - what would we do if faced with survival type situations. People have done all kinds of things they never thought they possibly could when put in certain situations. The Stanford prison experiment is a good example how quickly values can change...
The Ethics of the studies themselves bring into question a whole lot about who we are. While the rigor of that study has been questioned it definitely brings to light how circumstances alter behaviour.
It reminds me of another study Minnesota Starvation Experiment. In 1944 conscientious objectors were placed in a year long study that measured the psychological and physical effects of starvation. The previously healthy subjects developed sign of eating disorder illnesses. The study results very much challenges the idea that eating disorder cognition precedes the illness and suggests that in a state of starvation the psychosocial aspects of the mental illness are developed.
A bit off topic, also looks at human behaviour under stress and how we are all potentially vulnerable under stressful circumstances.
These studies (as well as twin studies) thankfully wouldn't happen any more i hope, but they are fascinating.
I m hoping with you - but am not so sure. I am working hard on keeping my faith in humankind up. Some days are harder than others.
They sure are. I used to think there was good in everyone, then I had a period in which I questioned that. After some very sad realisations, and going through what I suppose is a grieving for lost relationships with people who still live, but not in my world, I have gather those close to me. Surprisingly, rather than close ranks and maintain bitterness, in letting go I have restored a belief in people in general.
Hard times can bring with them gratitude. Sometimes it can feel more like a contented melancholy, maintaining that mind set, defiantly Some days are harder than others.
Someone agrees or not we are living in an Matrix which is created by the human beings from ancient times means, many factors effects us and push us to behave in certain ways in certain situations. And everyone is good human being just the environment makes them different, so it's all depends upon where we lived.
Everyone is wearing mask in this world means, some have aggression inside but they showcase love, some have greed inside but they showcase they are charity people, some are so materialistic people but they teach about the spirituality. Many think about the comfort position and for that they wear masks.
Wishing you an great day and stay blessed. 🙂
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