Value vs High Value

What is value?

Value can be defined as the worth, importance, or usefulness of something or someone. The definition of value has been broadly divided into two groups: the value of something and the value of someone.

What is the value of something?

The value of something can be defined as an instrument or tool which is valuable because it helps achieve something else. The nature of this type of value is external, dependent on outcomes or consequences. Based on this definition the value of something can be classified as extrinsic. Examples include wealth - valuable because it can buy comfort or security, fame - valuable because it brings recognition or influence, power - valuable because it enables control or achievement of goals, etc. The key idea regarding extrinsic values is that something is pursued as a means to an end, not as an end in itself.

What is the value of someone?

The value of someone can be defined as values that are inherently meaningful or valuable in themselves, not because of what they lead to. A person’s value is not in what they give or do for you, but in who they are. Such a value cannot be owned, it is deep and lasting. The nature of this type of value is internal, self-justifying, and ends in themselves. It forges character, identity and not replaceable as a whole. Based on this definition the value of someone can be classified as intrinsic. Examples include patience, honesty, courage, faithfulness, modesty, diligence, selflessness, dignity, cleanliness, contentment, grace, beauty, adroitness, integrity, respect, etc. The key idea regarding intrinsic values is that something is pursued because it is good in itself, not because it produces another benefit.

Based on the distinction between the value of something and the value of someone, a logical conclusion is that the intrinsic value of a person is greater than the extrinsic value of things. Therefore, every project should be grounded in this principle if the goal is to build something enduring. Unfortunately, this is not the case in our modern world.

What currently prevails is an emphasis on extrinsic values, which have largely eclipsed the intrinsic worth of individuals. There is little encouragement for the cultivation of inner character or intrinsic virtues. Instead, the individual who amasses greater extrinsic markers of success is celebrated as “successful” or “doing well,” regardless of how those values were obtained.

This has become the modern standard, leading many in society to pursue recognition and status at any cost, so long as they can be perceived as “high value” based solely on material acquisitions.

Contributing factors

The dominance of extrinsic values in the modern world is not accidental - it’s the result of historical, cultural, and economic forces that have gradually shifted how people define success, happiness, and even love. Key factors that have contributed to this development include:

• Consumerism and Materialism: The rise of consumer culture has placed material possessions at the centre of identity and self-worth. The global economy thrives on consumption. Advertising and marketing industries constantly reinforce the idea that happiness and identity are tied to possessions, status symbols, and outward success. From childhood, individuals are conditioned to associate love with gifts, success with luxury, and self-worth with possessions. This consumerist culture transforms values into commodities, making external tokens of wealth and status the primary markers of identity. As a result, intrinsic values - which are high values - such as contentment or gratitude are overshadowed by the constant pursuit of “more.”

• Media and Social Media Influence: The media has long glorified fame, beauty, and wealth, but the advent of social media has intensified this dynamic. Platforms reward visibility, likes, and followers which are forms of external validation that reinforce extrinsic motivations. The “attention economy” thrives on comparison, where individuals measure their worth against curated images of others’ success. This creates a cycle in which external recognition becomes the dominant measure of value, while intrinsic fulfilment - which is the high value - is sidelined.

• Capitalist Economic Systems: Modern economies reward competition, profit, and measurable outcomes. In such systems, extrinsic markers like salaries, promotions, and titles become the benchmarks of success. Individuals are conditioned to value external achievements over intrinsic growth.

• Education and Career Pressures: Many education systems emphasize grades, rankings, and employability over curiosity, critical thinking, or personal growth. Careers are often pursued for financial security or prestige rather than passion, meaning, and self-discovery.

• Social Comparison and Peer Pressure: People constantly compare themselves to others, especially in a hyper-connected world. This comparison culture pushes individuals to “keep up” by chasing external markers of success such as wealth, status, and recognition.

• Psychological Conditioning: From childhood, rewards (grades, gifts, praise) often outweigh intrinsic motivations (curiosity, kindness, creativity). Over time, people internalize the belief that external rewards are the ultimate measure of high value.

Research shows that when people prioritize extrinsic goals like wealth, fame, or image over intrinsic ones like personal growth, relationships, and community, they often experience lower well-being - even if they achieve those goals. Yet, because extrinsic rewards are visible and socially reinforced, they dominate modern aspirations. On the other hand, intrinsic goals such as personal growth, purpose, diligence, integrity, courage, respect, and loving-kindness are more strongly linked to lasting happiness. In short, the modern world is shaped by extrinsic values because they are easier to measure, reward, and display. Consumer culture, media, economic systems, and social pressures all reinforce the pursuit of external validation over inner fulfilment despite their limited capacity to provide genuine fulfilment.

Cinematic portrayal of a high value individual

A powerful portrayal of what true high value looks like is captured in the movie Scent of a Woman, featuring Al Pacino as Frank Slade and Chris O'Donnell as Charlie Simms. One of the most striking scenes takes place during a disciplinary hearing, where Charlie, a student who witnessed an incident, refuses to betray his peers in order to save himself.

Despite the dire consequences - he needed a scholarship to continue his studies and risked both losing that opportunity and being expelled - Charlie chose integrity over self-preservation. Frank Slade came to his defense, emphasizing that Charlie had demonstrated rare courage and integrity, qualities most people would avoid because they demand walking a difficult road.

Slade further argued that society’s future was being undermined by leaders who encouraged students to take the easier, less rewarding path, while punishing those who chose the harder but ultimately more honourable and valuable one. A link to this particular section of the movie can be found here: Scent of a Woman | "I'll Show You Out of Order!"

Conclusion

The modern world is shaped by extrinsic values because they are easier to measure, reward, and display. Consumerism, media influence, economic systems, social comparison, and the decline of traditional value frameworks have all contributed to this dominance. While intrinsic values remain essential for human flourishing, they are often overshadowed by the pursuit of external validation. The overshadowing of these high values has led to a rise in greed, mistrust, betrayal, unfaithfulness, murder, war, injustice, disrespect, theft, and corruption, to name just a few.

Things fall apart when the centre can no longer hold. The 'centre' represents the foundation that sustains any structure or project. For such a structure to endure, it must rest on a solid foundation. That foundation is built upon high values - the intrinsic qualities of a person.

When these values are neglected, collapse becomes inevitable, whether in a business, a friendship, or a family. At present, it may appear that such values can be disregarded when undertaking projects, but history consistently proves otherwise: whenever intrinsic values are ignored, the result is failure. The rise and fall of empires stand as undeniable testimony to this truth.

The challenge for contemporary society is to restore balance - recognizing that true fulfilment lies not in possessions or recognition, but in the intrinsic values that give life depth, meaning, and resilience. Strive for high values, and build upon them, for they alone will stand the test of time.

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