Quotes about Values

There are some authors who contend that meanings and values are "nothing but defense mechanisms, reaction formations and sublimations." But as for myself, I would not be willing to live merely for the sake of my "defense mechanisms," nor would I be ready to die merely for the sake of my "reaction formations.

Logotherapy conceives of conscience as a prompter which, if need be, indicates the direction in which we have to move in a given life situation. In order to carry out such a task, conscience must apply a measuring stick to the situation one is confronted with, and this situation has to be evaluated in the light of a set of criteria, in the light of a hierarchy of values

freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness.

People have enough to live by but nothing to live for.

Reality presents itself always in the form of a specific concrete situation, and since each life situation is unique, it follows that also the meaning of a situation must be unique. Therefore it would not even be possible for meanings to be transmitted through traditions. Only values— which might be defined as universal meanings— can be affected by the decay of traditions… to put it succinctly: the values are dead—long live the meanings.

To have a good conscience can never be the basis of a morally good existence; it is, rather, the result.

before parting that night we agreed that the objects of life were to produce good people and good books.

Is it the lot of average human being, however, he asked himself, the criterion by which we judge the measure of civilization?

The more prohibitions you have, the less virtuous people will be. Try to make people moral, and you lay the groundwork for vice.

What we do flows from who we are.

In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales should be respected." ( Frauds on the Fairies , 1853)

My child, if I have any object in life, it is to provide for your being a good, a sensible, and a happy man. I am bent upon it.