My Values
"My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean.
Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?"
Preface: I believe that individuals should be decisive, open and consistent with their values - as a means to signal what can be expected from them, with accountability. Yes, this may come across as being self-righteous. But I want to do my part, as one of the smallest units of change, in shaping a world where being principle-centered and value-driven is just table stakes in the widest spectrum of human interaction.
What is listed below is only a guide to what can be expected of me. But do not take this at face value because anyone can claim to have a certain set of values. Please be ever vigilant and call me out if I deviate from what is stated here - if only to thwart hypocrites, and to ensure my conscientious adherence to these.
The following list is not exhaustive, but it should cover the most of what I strive to live my life by:
- Integrity - Never failing to act with sound ethical principles towards others who consistently act with integrity - unless there is irrefutable proof to the contrary. In dealing with unscrupulous people, I feel that taking legally acceptable measures to carefully counteract any ill-gotten benefit is justified.
- Compassion - Walking in the shoes of others, taking on their point of view, and then acting with the greatest possible compassion where it is deserved. Treating others like I want them to treat me.
- Gratitude - Never taking for granted any assistance provided in the time of need. And repaying those kind deeds without fail and 'with interest' at the earliest.
- Respect - Treating those I have absolutely nothing to gain from just the same as I would anyone else. Respect for the thoughts and beliefs of everyone, irrespective of their religion, political persuasion, ethnic background, etc - as long as they do not try to impose their will unilaterally on others (see entry 8).
- Unselfishness/Fairness - Measuring myself against standards far more stringent than that I expect of others. Treating other fairly and equally until they choose their own treatment through their actions.
- Courage - Having the courage to stand up for what is right, and not backing down. Having the courage to question what I don't understand until I get an answer backed with reliable, irrefutable and scientific evidence.
- Flexibility - Accepting and acknowledging when I am wrong as soon as I am aware of it, and making amends for the same. All my views on everything in my life, including the values in this page, are open to discussion with open-minded people.
- Tolerance - I will tolerate only the tolerant who treat others exactly like they themselves want to be treated (including women and the elderly). The intolerant (and others) will resort to tyranny if they are given a free rein - read more at The Paradox of Tolerance. Those who unjustly deny freedom to others, do not deserve freedom themselves (and so on..).
I will find happiness in the successes of others. I will do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, irrespective of the personal
consequences. I will unselfishly help others achieve their goals as long as my help is not taken for granted.
I will not lift a finger to support the morally corrupt and the chronically intellectually complacent.
I will support to the fullest extent those with strong moral fibre, the will to make a difference and the intelligence to pull it off. Because I am tired of the corrupt, incompetent, selfish, hypocritical individuals in this world. I will be the change I want to see in the world. And then with the combined will of everyone like us, we can make the world a much better place to be in.
P.S. If there is any inconsistency or something patently wrong in what I've stated, feel free to contact me - I'm always open to constructive and intelligent discussion. As implied above: if logically proven wrong, I'll change my point of view without any ill-will.