Terminal values: desirable end-states of existence that
Terminal values: desirable end-states of existence that describe what you are ultimately living toward, constituting conditions that would constitute a life well-lived
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes terminal values as 'desirable end-states of existence' that describe 'what you are ultimately living toward' and constitute 'conditions that would constitute a life well-lived.' It directly quotes and operationalizes Rokeach's definition while establishing the specific semantic boundary within this curriculum's framework.
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.