Values - to each, it's own. People define them based on their experiences and perception. What’s innate isn’t separate from what’s out there to see in the form of the conduct. To me, Values are the ‘make up’ of a person or personality or how they are as a being.
I have been curious to understand principles driving people’s behaviours and to understand why they do what they do. There is an interesting part of studying the subject of values which is them being inspirational. One can watch others in action and then in an attempt to emulate their values, make progress in their own lives to develop.
In this book, I have written to bring forward 20 such special values that I have observed in 20 (& more) individuals connected to me from (& some since) 20 years ago through my days at my college. The chapters will take you through stories describing the very special traits of these 20 or so people that I admire. Each of these 20 values are worthy to be emulated that I hope will inspire to learn from & lead to consider the associated conduct as well as I have.
You the reader will benefit from knowing a bit about me, my mates from over two-decades-long on a personal and some on a professional level to be able to relate. Several stories and instances in this book go back in time to as early as the year 2000 and some being more recent discoveries. This book lists stories, memories and the ‘make up – the sum of values’ of some incredible individuals whom I’ve been lucky enough to share the life journey with. Stories in pages to follow revolve around relationships/ personal friendships and will help you relate to some. They can easily be relatable to a professional light as well if you attempt to look at them that way. Some are incidents stories will be easier to relate to if you are a current student, have lived around a group of friends in an environment similar to my college. Some are deeper observations will be relatable by being around people in general.
All the values that have taken the form of chapters are individual ones impacting and positively influencing individual conduct. They may be playing a role in enhancing communities as a whole but the intent for the purpose of this book is to celebrate individuals for their uniqueness.
You the reader are also a sum of your values and will read about a particular trait that will make you find similarities with yourself. My intent is to encourage you to look at the 20 individual values on their own and see where you can utilise any take-outs that can help you incorporate some of them in your own or your loved ones' lives.
I aim to take you through a journey to understand ‘Values’ with me.