Definitionv1DF-673
Core values
terminal values that define what a good life means to you, serving as ends in themselves rather than means to other outcomes
Why This Is a Definition
This definition explicitly states that core values are 'ends in themselves' and 'define what a good life means to you,' which precisely establishes the semantic boundary of 'core values' within this curriculum. It distinguishes them from instrumental values and clearly defines their structural role as destinations rather than roads.
Source Lessons
Core values versus instrumental values
Core values are ends in themselves — they define what a good life means to you. Instrumental values are means — they are valuable because they serve core values. Confusing the two leads to optimizing for the wrong things.
Known values are the foundation of sovereign choice
Without knowing your values, every choice is a guess. With clear, articulated, hierarchically organized values, every choice becomes an expression of who you are and who you are becoming.
Connections
Defines (6)
AxiomValues exist in a hierarchical structure with terminal…PrincipleUse the 'five whys' technique on any significant energy…PrincipleTest whether a value is truly terminal by imagining…PrincipleRun continuous alignment checks askingPrincipleWhen an instrumental value accumulates sufficient behavioralPrincipleFor each value you pursue, ask 'why do I want this?'…