We deem valuable whatever is likely to meet our needs or…
“We deem valuable whatever is likely to meet our needs or wishes (individual values) and whatever is likely to help protect or attain social goals (social values). However, this is not a dichotomy, for some individual values, such as truth, are needed to secure some social values, such as mutual trust, and some social values, such as peace, are required to pursue some individual values, such as good health.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Scientific Method in a Nutshell, 1973
Values arise from both personal desires and collective goals, and they often support each other rather than oppose.
In simple terms: Values link personal needs with social goals.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how personal and social values reinforce each other.
Themes
ethics
interdependence
social theory
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
theoretical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- personal goal setting
- public policy design
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
value theory
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal values shape social policies?
- When can social goals undermine individual well‑being?
A Different Perspective
May overlook conflicts when values appear aligned.