On Values And How We Abuse Them

Our values around knowledge is a fascinating thing.

When we are born, we know nothing. Then, we start knowing things.

Then, some of us decide that this is their mark of self-worth, so they turn around and check how much other people know.

And then they judge them based on how much they know. They’re now better because they know more.

What an interesting value!

Now, I once wrote (years ago) that every personal value is actually incredibly valuable in reality. Until it is used to determine self-worth.

Then, they are toxic and being abused.

I am still thinking through what should determine self-worth, but here’s my current idea.

Self-worth should be determined by your gratitude for where you currently are and your decision to improve yourself every day.

Every person in the world who is actively making themselves and therefore the world a better place should feel great about their lives.

That is how we should view knowledge as well.

There is no value in being smart. There IS value in understanding and knowing things.

You can solve problems for people.

You can explain things.

You can navigate the world more accurately.

But there is no value in “being smart”. That’s a bastardization of this value.

“Being smart” just means you are using your information to put other people down…

The same goes for every other value in life.

There is no value in being rich.

There IS value in having money to use.

You can use it to make large projects happen.

You can invest in people’s ideas.

You can help and support people in their lives.

But if you hoard wealth and use it to look down on others, then you are bastardizing the value.

If we can properly examine every well-intentioned value, we can remove their negative aspects and distill the uplifting parts.

Any virtue overused becomes a vice. It becomes something you have attached your identity to.

There is great value in knowing many people and making them feel good. There is no value in “being a popular person”.

There is great value in being capable and strong. There is no value in “being a buff and manly person”.

Love and honor your gifts and values. But don’t use them as a hammer to wield against others.

This is what is meant when we talk about the virtue of humility.

Every value is valuable because it is useful for others. Not because they are some strange idol upon which you can lift yourself above others.