Difference Between Values and Principles
We live in a world where there is a code of conduct for just about everything. There are rights and wrongs that are always there and often it is left to the individual whether to potentially exploit the situation in an unfair manner to their advantage or do what is right without any personal considerations.
Many people go through this dilemma and often feel that there is a war waged inside them between their desires and conscience. The guiding light in these situations are the values and the principles that you adhere to.
These two terms are often used situations like these and although they serve a similar purpose, the meaning of the two and their practical implications are not exactly the same.
Values are a set of norms that have been evolving over a long period of time and their current shape is due to this evolution. On the other hand, principles are not defined by society and are the ways that a person follows, often being inspired by someone.
The nature of the value is universal and they are the same, at least in one society. The principles on the other hand are something personal in nature and often have little to do with the society though they may be derived from the values in the society.
Instructions
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Values
Values are the collective set of ways that are present in a society about the daily routines. These deal with all aspects of life including every day dealings, respect of others, the professional ethics and dealings and the overall ways of the given society.
These will vary in different areas of the world and they generally have a lot of guidance from the religion that is being followed in that area. Values are not formed over a small period and have withstood the test of time.
The people in a society without realising tend to follow the values since it is something that they have been dealing with from a very early age.
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Principles
Principles are the guiding light for a person for doing various things in life. They are often derived from the moral principles a person follows and are applicable in most aspects on one’s life.
A person may adopt certain principles from a personality he or she is inspired. These are individual in nature and generally do not affect anyone other than the person following them or at most the people in the immediate contact.
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