Emulating community values in personal qualities

The foundation of living a life based on higher values is understanding -- an understanding of the self, the inherent goodness and worth of the self and of the moral rectitude and practical merit of such a life. Ultimately, it is in the best interests of an individual or society to live by higher values. On an individual level, the desire to live by defined values can be affected by the desire to conform with others, impulsiveness, carelessness and the weight of other, conflicting tendencies. Herein lies the importance of the personal experience of such values through deliberate contemplation, spiritual practice and careful interaction. A strong measure of discipline and self-control is also required.