This is my first in my series on the five negative values.  Selfishness may appear very early in children; particularly if sibling rivalry is involved.  Of course, it can and is present in all ages.  But it is a negative value that must be diminished and finally eliminated for us to reach a Heaven on Earth. …

Read More

Only God has comprehensive knowledge.  However, we all possess one degree or another of humankind’s rapidly expanding body of knowledge.  But now, in the 21st century, each individual’s knowledge—and our comprehensive knowledge—must out-race the technology which is forging ahead at a rapid rate. I think humankind can “out-race” technology, but only if we try very hard…

Read More

We all possess creativity to one degree or another.  The foundation for the greatest creativity requires a lot of knowledge; but remember what that genius, Albert Einstein, said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Directing one’s imagination toward production and fruitful endeavors, rather than such pursuits as crime or the harm of others, is all-important.

Read More

This particular value is not stated, to my knowledge, in the ancient books of the world’s religions.  However, I am sure it is implied.  We need to think of ourselves as world citizens along with our many other identities.  We need to cheer for all others!  We really can do this if we allow our good values…

Read More

This value is essential on that path toward a Heaven on Earth.  It encompasses compassion directed inwardly, as well as for others.  Healthy self-esteem is important; without it, it’s difficult to have healthy compassion for others.  Compassion should be expressed in both our words and deeds.  Doing so will bring us closer to many of the…

Read More

I often talk about peace as one of the elements of Heaven on Earth.  Generally, I refer to peace and security and how they relate to citizens within nations. When speaking of positive values, I refer to a sort of personal inner peace.  Inner peace as an individual is similar to peace globally because they both…

Read More

We need to learn how to work with other people, nations, corporations, etc. with goodwill, honesty and genuine empathy.  Thus, some values such as honesty and empathy reinforce other values much like some of the elements of a Heaven on Earth support other elements.  An example is spiritual harmony leading to greater peace and security.

Read More

I have come to believe that restorative justice rather than retributive justice is the proper path toward a Heaven on Earth.  We just cannot give up on anyone.  I don’t believe God turns away from anybody.  We must strive to empty the prisons while at the same time restoring all there to be productive, law-abiding and…

Read More

These values are so basic.  First, we must be honest and truthful about ourselves, something that is much harder than it appears on the surface. Being honest and truthful with others is also quite important and difficult, too.  Why is it hard?  Too often one can say things that we know consciously or subconsciously the…

Read More

This is a wonderful value and I believe that it should be differentiated from sympathy.  Sympathy encourages victimhood; and if it involves something that is major in our lives– such as race–it can lead to wasted lives. Adversity of all types can be overcome and in doing so an individual very well may gain the…

Read More