Written by Sandy ElChaar & narrated by PrestonR.
At the heart of our emotional experiences lies the powerful concept of values, which act as “guiding stars” that direct our preferences and actions. But how do these values arise, and why do they hold such emotional significance?
Values are formed through the dynamic interaction between ourselves (the subject) and the external world (the object). When something attracts or resonates with us, be it a kind person, a beautiful piece of music, or the smell of fresh bread, it sparks an emotional response. These emotions, in turn, reveal the underlying values we hold dear. For instance, love, beauty, and kindness are values that stir feelings of warmth and connection.
External and Internal Sources of Values
Values stem from both external stimuli and internal experiences. Externally, we find value in things that resonate with us: a favorite place, a beloved pet, or acts of kindness we witness. Internally, values arise from our relationship with ourselves—our love for music, our memories, and even our own personal growth. These internal values keep us connected to ourselves and fuel our zest for life.
When external stimuli align with our inner drives—such as the smell of bread stimulating hunger—they unleash an emotional power that compels us to act, revealing how closely tied our values are to our desires and needs. This dynamic between external events and internal emotions is what gives values their power.
Values as Our Decision-Making Compass
Values guide our decisions by giving meaning to our preferences. They help us distinguish what we prefer and why. For example, we choose kindness over cruelty because it aligns with our values, making our decisions meaningful rather than arbitrary.
Through this process, values become the foundation for how we perceive the world, creating a sense of harmony or discord depending on how they resonate with our inner life. Values are not fixed; they are formed through an ongoing relationship between ourselves and the world around us. They emerge in a “dialogue” between our subjective experience and objective reality, making them deeply personal and ever-evolving.
The Emotional Nature of Values
Values are not just intellectual concepts; they are deeply emotional. When we feel connected to something, we experience its value. For example, a beautiful song is more than just sound; it evokes a feeling that reflects its value to us. This emotional response is what makes values feel so close to us, almost as if they “lay upon us,” shaping our sense of self and our connection to life.
In existential analysis, values are seen as what strengthens our relationship to life itself. When we experience a positive value—whether it’s enjoying a meal or feeling loved—we reinforce our “Yes” to life, experiencing that life is worth living. On the other hand, when life feels meaningless, even something like the desire for illness can paradoxically be seen as a “value,” highlighting the complex emotional relationship between values and our overall attitude toward life.
Values: Our Emotional Fuel for Living
Values act as emotional sustenance, much like food for the body. They energize us, give us a reason to live, and make us feel that life is worthwhile. By allowing values to resonate within us, we strengthen our fundamental relationship to life, ensuring that we continue to experience joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
Ultimately, values are more than just preferences—they are the emotional and existential compass by which we navigate the world. They help us live more fully, guiding our choices, our relationships, and our overall sense of well-being.
Reference: Längle, A. (2020). The 2nd Fundamental Motivation: The Fundamental Condition of Life – Student Manual. GLE-International, Vienna