How To Know Your Intrinsic Value Structure

ABI`TAMIM✒️
ILLUMINATION
Published in
3 min readMay 24, 2023
Photo by 愚木混株 cdd20 on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered why you admire certain individuals while feeling contempt for others? These seemingly contrasting emotions, admiration and contempt, can offer valuable insights into your intrinsic value structure. Within the complexities of human judgment lies a hidden moral compass that guides our perceptions of others.

Why admire?

When we admire someone, it is not a fleeting feeling devoid of reason. Rather, admiration is a profound acknowledgment of the qualities, actions, or attributes possessed by an individual that resonates deeply with our own values. The admiration we experience arises from an inner longing to cultivate those virtues within ourselves. It is a reflection of our desire to emulate and embody the qualities we hold.

Consider the people you admire. What is it about them that captivates your attention and garners your respect? Is it their unwavering determination, their compassion, or their ability to lead by example? When we recognize these qualities, we are acknowledging their inherent value and recognizing their potential to enhance our own lives.

Why contempt?

On the other end of the contempt is a powerful sentiment that arises when we perceive someone’s actions as fundamentally wrong or morally reprehensible. Contempt is not born out of a mere difference in opinion or personal preference rather, it stems from a deeply ingrained sense of morality. It is a response to behavior that contradicts our core values and principles.

Contempt prompts us to reject and distance ourselves from those we view as embodying these negative qualities. In its essence, it is an implicit recognition that certain actions or attitudes are detrimental and should be avoided. Contempt serves as a reminder of our inherent understanding of right and wrong, guiding us to uphold the moral standards we hold.

Intrinsic Value Structure.

The presence of admiration and contempt in our lives provides us with a valuable glimpse into our intrinsic value structure. These emotions act as signposts, pointing us toward the qualities and behaviors we aspire to possess or reject. By paying attention to our feelings and examining the reasons behind them, we can gain insights into our own moral framework.

Understanding our intrinsic value structure enables us to make conscious decisions about the people we surround ourselves with, the goals we pursue, and the impact we aspire to make in the world. By acknowledging and honoring our values, we align ourselves with a sense of purpose that fosters personal growth and fulfillment in our life.

Admiration and contempt are not arbitrary emotions they hold deep significance in understanding our intrinsic value structure. They reveal the virtues we wish to embody and the actions we strive to avoid. By recognizing the implicit morality at play in our judgments, we can see a path to personal growth and a clearer understanding of the values that shape our lives.

So, the next time you find yourself admiring or feeling contempt for someone, take a moment to reflect on the underlying reasons behind those emotions. Explore the qualities that resonate with your values and contemplate the behaviors that challenge your moral compass. Through this introspection, you can uncover your intrinsic value structure and on a journey of self discovery and personal transformation in your life.

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