Ever wonder why we're all not just constantly at each other’s throats? The answer is buried deep in the intriguing "Theory of Basic Human Values." Developed by Shalom H. Schwartz in the 1990s, this theory outlines ten basic values that express what people universally care about. You might say it's like the secret recipe for understanding what drives us all. These values are not bound by geography or time – they’re as global as Wi-Fi, and as timeless as a classic car. But let’s face it, these values challenge the oh-so-popular narrative pushed by certain noisy media outlets today. Values like security, power, and tradition might not get you invited to a hip Silicon Valley brunch, but fans of these concepts know they have kept societies from descending into chaos for centuries.
First off, let’s talk about power. For some, it’s the ultimate F-word—freedom. It represents the yearning for status, influence, and control over resources. Contrary to modern faux-woke arguments, power isn’t some evil machination, but rather an essential cog in the social machinery. A society without leadership and influence is akin to a ship without a captain—it may float, but it’s not going anywhere fast.
Then there's security. This one's almost too obvious, yet so frequently ignored. While some are out here chasing elusive ideals, there's something to be said for good old safety and stability. These values keep the bedrock of society solid, preventing the anarchy that would have everyone Googling "how to survive the apocalypse" without a hint of irony. Don’t get it twisted – security is about maintaining foundational societal order, providing a steady hand in a chaotic world.
Next, we touch on tradition. Yes, tradition. The throwback playlist of values! While the current vibe often celebrates anything "innovative" or "disruptive," tradition acts as a guiding light, linking past generations to the present. It carries the wisdom of experience, helping societies navigate present challenges without reinventing the wheel every morning.
Emotionally speaking, let’s look at stimulation and hedonism. Sure, living life at the bleeding edge of excitement appeals to many, but how sustainable is an adrenaline-fueled lifestyle? Pursuing pleasure might be all well and good if you’re a reality TV star, but for most folks, values like security and tradition offer a roadmap that doesn't leave them stressed out or broke.
Let’s switch gears and cover universalism and benevolence. These values make up the "nice" side of human traits. Universalism is all about understanding, tolerance, and protection for all people. Sounds perfect, right? But without common sense and measured in moderation, such ideals lead to policies that put everyone at risk. Benevolence emphasizes welfare for those in immediate relationships—family and close friends. While heart-warming, focusing too narrowly here can clash with the larger picture of societal health.
How about self-direction? Today’s trends tell us to be the artist of our destiny and live for ourselves first. The irony? This leads to a society where everyone marches to their drumbeat, disregarding harmony with others. While individuality has its perks, like making tailored playlists or customizing your coffee order, it doesn’t always translate well to collective harmony.
Achievement is another basic value that’s often polarizing these days. Thanks to current cultural shifts, winning has turned into something to apologize for. But fundamentally, achievement is about personal success through demonstrating competence according to societal standards. It drives innovations, solutions, and improvements any community requires.
Last but not least, we reach a value known as conformity. Not to be mixed up with cookie-cutter lives, conformity involves maintaining norms to keep society functioning smoothly. Without it, classrooms turn chaotic, businesses collapse, and social interactions become even more unpredictable than they already are.
The theory of basic human values shines a light on the fabric that holds humanity together. Power may not be a unicorn-colored fantasy, and security might not come with a hashtag, but these principles grab the megaphone from the overly individualized, uproariously "unique" lifestyles that often grab headlines. Embracing what truly keeps civilizations running is hardly popular but decidedly necessary. Other worldviews may have you believe the world is capable of running only on utopian ideals, but reality truly operates on these foundational values.