WISE VALUES

While recognizing the vast diversity of cultures developed by human societies around the world, in this era of globalization and ever-increasing interaction among the world’s peoples, it is prudent to determine the commonalities of value that all people can share, for the sake of increasing harmony and well-being worldwide.

What then are the wisest values and principles by which all human beings ought to govern their lives?

Here are two such valuable principles:

1. Respect for the right of every human being to live and flourish in dignity to the greatest extent possible. For specifics, see the United Nations Declaration of Universal Human Rights (1948) and A Global Ethic (1993)

2. Recognition of the responsibility of each person to provide for his or her own sustenance and flourishing, as far as is possible, and to provide likewise for legally dependent persons; but also to contribute to the well-being of others within a community of interdependent persons.

Are there others?

*