Moral values are those values that a person acquires based on their experience. These norms or modes of behavior are inherited and transmitted by society to citizens. In addition, they determine how to behave correctly or incorrectly.
Moral values reside in a person, but have been passed down over the years. Specifically through the experiences and situations that an individual has lived. Therefore, it is society that ultimately transmits and determines them as a whole.
Moral values are essential to be able to differentiate what is good from what is not, or what is right from what is wrong.
Sometimes moral values and ethical values can be confused, but they are different. The first are those that a person is acquiring and are related to the society in which he lives, the second with his own way of thinking.
Therefore, moral values will always be guided and determined by the society in which the individual lives.
They are acquired in childhood through parents, teachers and the experiences that are lived throughout life.
What are the 5 most outstanding moral values?
These are some of the most prominent moral values that exist:
- Generosity: It is the ability to share without expecting anything in return. It is a highly desired moral value in society and encourages social and personal relationships. For example, sharing a meal with someone without expecting that person to invite us on another specific occasion.
- Tolerance: It is the ability to accept all those opinions or regulations that are far from what one thinks. One person does not have to agree with the opinion of another. However, he is able to respect their way of thinking and accept it without any criticism for it.
- Loyalty: Loyalty is determined by the laws that govern loyalty and honor. To be loyal to someone is to support them, respect them and have a certain affection. For example, the task force was loyal to its captain and left with him after being removed from office.
- Humility: It begins by accepting our own limitations and shortcomings. But this does not mean that we cannot have confidence and value ourselves. On the contrary, only someone humble can have real enough confidence to face great challenges, because he knows himself.
- Honesty: It is that value that drives us to be honest and fair with ourselves and with others. However, there are many ways to be honest, so communication is essential. Honesty is incompatible with disrespect.
Examples of moral values
That person received an indecent sum of money thanks to the lottery drawing. He decided to share part of his earnings with the neediest in his neighborhood. This is an example of moral courage, specifically we are talking about the generosity of an individual.
This person is not looking for anything in return, what he wants is to share something that he has achieved and that will also help other people who are extremely needy.
Another example would be honesty. An insurance salesperson offers us car insurance. We want insurance with certain coverage but which turns out to be more expensive. However, the insurance broker offers us a better option, more adapted to our needs and at a lower price. Even if he earns a lower commission. It is an example of honesty.