Principles not Values and New Year Resolutions.

Values is a much used word, which seems to have become synonymous with good. This is a myth. An individual's, organisation's, population's or religion's values are no more than that. They belong to them, but if you wish to quantify them they may be good, bad or evil. A criminal may have the value that it is alright to steal, because those he steals from have more than him. This belief may be an accurate assessment of the unfairness of society, but most would not consider this value good, particularly if the thief had stolen from them! I could give more extreme examples, but will leave it at that. I am sure you all understand what I am getting at.

Being principled is different, at least within the context of living within a particular system or belief. Since we all live in a society where, whether it is the case or not, it is the intention that it should be good and fair, the principles of our society will be worthy.

This statement I make in the knowledge that the definition of principle is "a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour".

Values have been further devalued by their use by companies and organisations as a statement of intent, which they may or may not follow, usually as a form of advertising to attract custom. Sometimes you read these as a representative of such an organisation behaves in a diametrically opposite fashion. For example, one stares at a notice stating "the customer is always right" as the shop assistant tells you exactly the opposite.

The principles of our society (often poorly followed) are the likes of honesty, integrity, kindness, generosity, discretion, virtue, fairness, sincerity and decency.

So follow principles don't make up values. There is no need.

This brings me to the thorny subject of New Year resolutions. A lot of us make them. I know because the swimming pool lane swimming is always over-crowded until about March, when the urge has faded. On that subject if you want to get fit and/or lose weight simply eat less calories than you burn, using a balanced diet, and a little of anything you fancy and cycle or walk to work. Job done. Do not join a gym, go on a fad diet, or clog up the lane swimming!

Back to principles. I suggest that all you need to do in the New Year is resolve to lead a life run on principle, everything else will fall into place. If you decide you need to give up smoking or stop drinking alcohol your integrity and honesty will ensure that you do. Easy! This applies to everything else you do as well. If you are a CEO of a company, institution or organisation don't have those signs up stating your values, just you and your employees be principled.

Happy New Year!