1. There is an undeniable value to every human life.
All war is a crime against human life. “Human” life is defined by its distinctly human quality, and thus euthanasia and abortion are not acceptable if they destroy that human quality of life.
2. Every human life must be given adequate opportunity to develop.
Is it right that humans enter life with vastly different opportunities before them? Some are born rich, some poor. All humans have a right to personal property, a private life, safety, education, and health care. Once these needs have been met for all, those who have earned additional goods justly can be deserving of them. Humans are not equal but vary greatly in traits and talents; all must be given sufficient opportunity to develop their unique talents. It is natural that results will vary greatly, with some being more successful than others. There continues to be a basic value and protection of every human life, including those lives which are less successful. Inherited wealth, passed from those who are dead to the living who have not earned it, is a crime against the values of a just society. Property that is strictly personal property can be inherited.
3. The natural world is a gift to all humanity and thus individual humans cannot “own” it, to do with as they wish.
Humans cannot own or inherit the natural world. It is a gift we neither earned nor did anything to deserve. Individual humans cannot control the use of the water or the air or the land. Accumulations of land, minerals, forests, water and their immediate derivatives, beyond what is sufficient for one’s personal needs, is a crime against humanity and nature. All living things must be given their due respect.
These three basic values are a vision for the future and not a political or sociological blueprint for how they might occur. Human values require that we look ahead not in terms of years or decades or even lifetimes, but for centuries.
My wife has let me know that she is not very impressed with this post. I believe it is because she finds it too political and without sufficient statement of personal values. I recognize that it is not a general statement of values. Had that been my intent, I would have written about the value I place on family, friends, and community. Another time and place for that. I feel that it is helpful that I have included some outcomes that follow from my three basic principles. Further comment is invited.
Comment by admin — February 9, 2008 @ 7:17 pm