There's a lot of science behind this list. In fact, this list is based on decades of evidence-based research from social psychologist, Shalom H. Schwartz who pioneered the Theory of Basic Human Values. You will find that just about any motivation you can conceive is associated with a value on this list. It is the essence of what drives us to do what we do in our lives.
10 Value Themes and 57 Individual Values
Theme of Power
Social status and prestige, control
or dominance over people
Power Values
Social power
Authority
Wealth
Preservation of my public image
Social recognition
Theme of Achievement
Personal success through demonstrating
competence according to social
standards
Achievement Values
Success
Capability
Ambition
Influence
Intelligence
Self-repect
Theme of Hedonism
Pleasure or sensuous gratification
for oneself
Hedonism Values
Pleasure
Enjoyment of life
Self-indulgence
Theme of Stimulation
Excitement, novelty, and challenge in life
Stimulation Values
Daring
A varied life
An exciting life
Theme of Self-Direction
Independent thought and action —
choosing, creating, exploring
Self-Direction Values
Creativity
Curiosity
Freedom
Choice of own goals
Independence
Privacy
Theme of Universalism
Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and for nature
Universalism Values
Protection of the environment
A world of beauty
Unity with nature
Broad-mindedness
Social justice
Wisdom
Equality
A world at peace
Inner harmony
Theme of Benevolence
Preserving and enhancing the welfare
of those with whom one is in frequent
personal contact (the ‘in-group’)
Benevolence Values
Helpfulness
Honesty
Forgiveness
Loyalty
Responsibility
True friendship
A spiritual life
Mature love
Meaning in life
Theme of Tradition
Respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas that one’s culture or religion provides
Tradition Values
Devoutness
Acceptance of my portion in life
Humility
Moderation
Respect for tradition
Theme of Conformity
Restraint of actions, inclinations, and
impulses likely to upset or harm others and violate social expectations or norms
Conformity Values
Politeness
Respect for parents and elders
Self-discipline
Obedience
Theme of Security
Safety, harmony, and stability of society, of relationships, and of self
Security Values
Cleanliness
National security
Social order
Family security
Reciprocation of favors
Health
Sense of belonging
Activity: Identify Your Core Values
You can use this list to identify your core values with a simple activity. Follow these steps:
Underline all the values that you like (this step just gets you familiar with the list)
Now, let's split all the values you underlined into two more categories: meaningful vs. must-have. Meaningful values are things that are important to you, but perhaps not acted on frequently, whereas must-have values are things you think, do, want, all the time.
Circle the values that you believe are meaningful
Put a checkmark next to the values that are a must-have
Put in rank order your must-have values
You now have a list of your core values. Congratulations!