ABSTRACT
Values are predispositions to our behavior; they are associated with beliefs and norms. A value is a belief, standard, mission, or principle that has worth and is useful. Values are deeply held beliefs regarding what are good, correct, and appropriate. They help us determine how we should be and act if we are to be of worth to ourselves and useful to society. Values can range from the commonplace, such as the belief in hard work and punctuality, to the more psychological, such as self-reliance, concern for others, and harmony of purpose. Philosophers and social researchers have defined happiness and well-being in a variety of ways. The largest divide is between the hedonic view, which emphasizes pleasant feelings and avoidance of pain, and the eudemonic view, which emphasizes doing what is virtuous, morally right, true to one’s self, meaningful, and growth-producing.
