We’ve compiled a list of quotes about core values.
Mahatma Gandhi’s perspective
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”
― Gandhi
Our observation
We believe that this can work in both directions. For example, your values can become your habits when practised intentionally. This is our objective in terms of the Values App.
Roy Disney on values-based decision making
“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”
― Roy Disney
Our observation
Most of the distress we experience results from daily activities that do not align with what we care about or value. Tasks that we enjoy tend to bring us flow, however tasks that are misaligned breed resistance.
Aesop on your true values
“Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.”
― Aesop
Our observation
The things we truly care about can be lost in the busyness of life. As we race around on hamster wheels we lose perspective – the world shrinks to a panicked list of urgent tasks. Alternatively, we find comfort in the mundane – soft drinks and social feeds. Don’t forget who you are. Take action to remind yourself.
Covey on choosing values
“We may have limited choices but we can always choose. We can choose our thoughts, emotions, moods, our words, our actions; we can choose our values and live by principles.”
― Stephen R Covey
Our observation
The space between stimulus and response is where we choose how our life plays out. Having a set of values helps shape our response so that we live in a manner that is aligned with what is most important.
Tony Robbins on decision-making
“Any time you have difficulty making an important decision, you can be sure that it’s the result of being unclear about your values.”
― Tony Robbins
Our observation
The first step is to clarify what our values actually are. What do we stand for – and why? Then when those major decision points arise we can choose the path that is most aligned. For example, money versus time. This is one of the most significant decisions (and sacrifices) most of will ever make. If you know your values then the decision becomes easier.
Einstein on becoming valuable
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. He is considered successful in our day who gets more out of life than he puts in. But a man of value will give more than he receives.”
― Albert Einstein
Our observation
This perspective transcends the simple human core values that the other quotes relate to. Instead, Einstein is saying we should add value to all we do. From our perspective, passionate action inspired by and aligned with core values creates a valuable person. This person then becomes a value to society. The community values them as a uniquely embodied set of behaviours, traits and achievements.
