Q.1. “Human behaviour builds on beliefs and values.” Do you agree? Elaborate with examples.
18,Oct 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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Indeed, human behavior builds on beliefs and values. These foundational elements serve as the guiding principles that shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions. Both individual and collective behaviors are influenced by deeply ingrained beliefs and values, which can be rooted in cultural, religious, philosophical, or ideological systems.
Influence of Beliefs and Values on Human Behavior:
Milton Rokeach, an American social psychologist, emphasized the central role of beliefs and values in shaping human behavior. In The Nature of Human Values (1973), he categorized values into terminal values (life’s end goals, like happiness and freedom) and instrumental values (means to achieve them, such as honesty and responsibility). His framework explains how values guide individual choices and actions across various contexts.
Examples from Religion and Philosophy:
Jainism and Buddhism: Both these religious philosophies emphasize non-violence (Ahimsa), a core value that directly shapes the behavior of their adherents. In Jainism, the principle of Ahimsa is practiced to such an extent that devout followers avoid harming even the smallest forms of life, reflecting a deep belief in the sanctity of all living beings. Similarly, Buddhism’s teachings on compassion and detachment guide followers towards non-materialistic lifestyles and peaceful coexistence. These values lead individuals to adopt behaviors centered around empathy, moderation, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Gandhian Philosophy: Mahatma Gandhi’s life and actions epitomize how beliefs and values shape behavior. Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to Satya (truth) and Ahimsa led to the formulation of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) against colonial rule. His belief in self-reliance (Swaraj) and the dignity of labor inspired him to promote khadi and village industries, behaviors that reflected his values of simplicity and self-sufficiency. Gandhi’s influence demonstrates how deeply held values can drive collective action and transform societies.
Examples from Personal Lives:
Sir M. Visvesvaraya: A renowned engineer and statesman, Visvesvaraya’s life is a prime example of how values of excellence, integrity, and service to society shape behavior. His belief in hard work and discipline guided his exceptional contributions to nation-building, including the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam and modernizing India’s irrigation systems. His values of public service and professionalism were reflected in his unwavering commitment to India’s development, despite limited resources during the colonial era.
Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s life is another illustration of how values shape behavior. His belief in equality, justice, and human dignity led him to fight against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Despite spending 27 years in prison, Mandela’s values of forgiveness and reconciliation guided his behavior when he emerged as a leader. Rather than seeking revenge, he prioritized national unity and worked towards building a racially inclusive democracy. His personal sacrifices and moral convictions shaped his approach to leadership and laid the foundation for a peaceful transition in South Africa.
Collective Influence on Social Behavior:
Beliefs and values not only influence individual actions but also shape collective behaviors and societal norms. For instance:
The value of Sarvodaya (the welfare of all) propagated by Gandhi has been integrated into India’s approach to social justice, inspiring policies like land reforms and affirmative action for marginalized groups.
Modern environmental movements are driven by the value of sustainability, reflecting a belief in the responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations. Such beliefs encourage behaviors like adopting renewable energy, reducing waste, and advocating for ecological conservation.
In conclusion, human behavior is intricately built upon beliefs and values, as demonstrated by Milton Rokeach’s theory and the lives of figures like Gandhi, Visvesvaraya, and Mandela. Religious and philosophical systems like Jainism and Buddhism further illustrate how values guide ethical living and interactions with society. Whether on an individual or collective level, beliefs and values serve as the driving forces behind actions and decisions, shaping the course of human history and progress.
