Value systems evolve

I've been reading the late great Robert Nisbet on the 19th century and its widespread thinking about evolution. Darwin was hardly alone in seeing us in a chronological development. Some observers saw progress. Others broadcast alarm. The 20th century showed that the alarms and the visions coexist with reason. Little attention has been given to the fact that values evolve. Actually do you know what a value is beyond a worth that you give to something. I argue that we have for millenia confused characteristics and virtues with values and that values are what we act upon because we ascribe worth to such actions. In other words we do not always know what values we hold high, particularly if they are not admirable. I maintain that the evolved value system that is universally valid consists of three active values - democracy, tolerance and helpfulness - and a core or root value - non-idolatry. When I say this is evolved I mean that the terms I am using are a reflection of what can be grasped now. In fact, these are values that were implicit in the teaching and actions of Jesus and of many others throughout history. I believe all values should be identified and criticized. Because we are actually free to consciously identify and choose the values we will live by, Things like gay or straight marriage may well be values we act upon but I would argue that democracy, tolerance and helpfulness trump any value based on a cultural choice. Well enough for now,
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