Maharashtra Board Class 9 Self development and Art Appreciation Chapter 3 Values PDF Download

3 Values

Defining your value system

Objectives

1. Be able to explain the term 'values' and the origin of values in their own words.

2. Be able to identify their personal values.

3. Be able to examine if they uphold their values at all times.

4. Be able to plan for a change in behaviour so as to uphold the values.

5. Be able to differentiate between values and norms.

1. What Are Values?

Norms and principles which are influenced by the place of birth (for example, country, religion, caste etc.) are called Values.

We follow these values most of the times in different roles or situations.

We feel we "MUST" do these values at all times.

Read the sentences. Discuss: What is the meaning of the word 'Value' in each sentence? Is there a common meaning of the word value in all the sentences? What is it?

Yusuf packed all his 'valuables' in a suitcase to keep them safe.

Delsi found her father's new car to be great 'value' for money.

You should 'value' others' time.

Akshay says honesty is my 'value'.

Shalini complained that nobody 'valued' her talent.

Teacher's Note

Values help children know what is right and what is wrong. For example, a milkman who does not mix water in milk shows the value of honesty.

Exam Trick

Remember: Values = Rules in my heart. You follow them because you believe they are right, not because someone is watching.

Points to Remember

Values come from your home, school, religion, and society.

Values are the rules you follow in your heart.

You feel you must follow your values all the time.

Values help you decide what is right and what is wrong.

2. Why Are Values Important?

Let us start with an example: It is the last day to pay the fees. You forgot to bring the money to pay the fees. You accidentally find the money that your friend has brought to pay his fees. You will be in trouble if you don't pay the fees and are tempted to use his money.

But even your friend needs it.

You have two options.

Option 1: Return the money to your friend and face your problem.

Option 2: Use your friend's money as if it is your own.

What would you do? On what basis would you choose?

Option 2 is the easiest one to choose. Think about it, if we always choose the easy option available in every situation, people will not see consistency in our behaviour. People will form an opinion that this person is not trustworthy and sincere.

Also think about a situation where everybody in the society is selfish and cheating each other for their own self interest. Everybody will stop trusting each other and will lead to unrest in the society. Hence, to have peace, cooperation, trust, and unity in society which are important for our growth it is very important to have consistency in one's behaviour and a strong personal value system.

When we consider an action to be correct, then we try to do it frequently. Slowly our approach is developed based on the action which then becomes a habit. Our habits are responsible for developing our attitude. Our values are then based on our attitude of looking at things. Approach becomes Habit becomes Attitude becomes Values. For example, you prefer wearing simple clothes, then you like people wearing simple clothes. Slowly our approach, habits and attitude reflect simplicity in all aspects of life. Simplicity then becomes an integral part of our personal value system.

Importance Of Values

Values give a guideline to one's life.

Values help one understand which things are more important and meaningful in life. A person whose personal value system is not fully developed often makes impulsive emotional choices out of short term selfish motives.

Values influence one's thoughts, behaviour, decisions as well as determine the importance of things in life.

Teacher's Note

Values help us make good choices every day. A child who values honesty will tell the truth even when no one is watching.

Exam Trick

Remember: If everyone had good values, there would be no fighting. Values help create peace in families and schools.

Points to Remember

Values guide us to do the right things.

Values help us become good people.

Values create trust between people.

Values make families and schools better places.

3. Personal Values

Personal values define our life. So it is important to identify the values that are important to each individual. Personal values will differ from person to person.

Influence Of Personal Values On Habits

Empathy: Being able to understand and share somebody else's feelings.

Simplicity: Living a simple life, without giving too much importance to material possessions or outward appearances.

Forgiveness: Forgiving people for their mistakes.

Self discipline: Following what has been decided or agreed upon even if it is hard or demanding and when nobody is watching.

Integrity: Speaking the truth, not cheating, not deceiving, standing by your beliefs and words.

Punctuality: Being on time.

Justice: Being fair and reasonable.

Humility: Not feeling superior to others and treat everyone politely.

Cleanliness: Being clean, doing work in a neat, hygienic manner.

Courage: Doing or saying something even in the face of difficult situations.

Dignity of labour: Treating people doing all types of work with equal dignity and respect. Not considering it below your dignity to do any work.

Teacher's Note

Each child has different values based on their family and experiences. Help them find what is important to them and why it matters.

Exam Trick

Remember: Different people have different values. Your best friend may value sports while you value reading. Both are okay!

Points to Remember

Personal values are different for each person.

Values grow from what we see at home and at school.

Good values help us become good friends and good children.

We should find out what values are important to us.

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