Values

Last week in class, we were presented with a list of suggested values by which one may live. We were instructed to select about ten or so of these values that are most important to us. We then got in eight groups to review our choices and narrow the list down to no more than seven values to present to the class. While most of the groups followed directions literally, one group came out with a single value that they believed to be the most important: love. While most of us took it as a joke, I'm sure, I left the class with that idea on my mind. Everyone loves something, so love does exist for everyone. So is love truly "all you need"? If the Beatles said it, I am automatically inclined to take it under consideration (probably not the best way to think about things, otherwise I'll be wanting to buy the first submarine I come across, paint it yellow, and move right in). Anyways, I began to think about all the people in my life and everything I do, and of course my reason for said things. Why does anyone do anything? They have a goal, a dream. And they have these goals and dreams because they love whatever those goals center around. Maybe they love money, which would affect all of their values. They may value creativity and hard work over friendships and honesty. I love my family and my few close friends, who love me in return, therefore I value love itself and honesty. I love animals, therefore my goals center around helping animals and the environment. Maybe that goofy group in class is on to something. Maybe all you need IS love to be happy. It just depends on what you love: money, power, family, etc, that will determine your other values in life.