I found this passage from the book, The value of values by Swami Dayananda Saraswathy very profound.
A Value is a value for me only when I see the value of the value as valuable to me.
An ethical value can be defined as dharma. Dharma is a standard or norm of conduct derived from the way in which I wish others to view or treat me. In other words my norm for what is ‘proper’ behaviour or a good ‘attitude’ is based on the way I wish others to treat or view me. What I expect or want from others becomes my standard for dharma.
Behaviour norms such as, being truthful, non-hurting, humility, charity are all based upon the same consideration of how I would like others to treat me. Thus, ethical norms are not just arbitrary man-made rules but stems from an inherent, common regard for one’s own interest and comfort. Ethical standards are natural and universal.
My values are universal in content but relative and situational in my application of them. In general practise, I will apply values more consistently and more absolutely to others than to myself. After all, the source of my value is found in the way in which I want others to treat me. I find it easy to have others observe ethical standards so I can be the beneficiary.
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