What are values typically understood to represent?

Values are typically understood to represent stable life goals that are important to individuals. They act as guiding principles that influence behavior, decisions, and priorities throughout life. Values shape how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them, serving as a foundation for what they find meaningful and. This intrinsic aspect of values helps individuals navigate ethical dilemmas, personal aspirations, and long-term commitments, making them crucial for establishing a sense of identity and purpose.

In contrast, external rewards and recognition, immediate financial benefits, and temporary interests and fads focus more on external validation or short-term gains and trends rather than the deeper, more enduring commitments that values embody. While those factors can influence behavior, they do not represent the core beliefs and long-term goals that define an individual's values.