Schwartz’s theory of basic values organizes human values into ten broad categories, which can be aligned with various middot (Jewish ethical traits). Below is a detailed mapping between Schwartz’s values and key middot in Mussar:
1. Self-Direction (Independent thought and action)
- Bechirah Chofshit (Free Will) – Emphasizes personal autonomy in making ethical choices.
- Da’at (Knowledge) – Encourages independent learning and intellectual curiosity.
- Hishtadlut (Personal Effort) – Striving to achieve one’s potential.
2. Stimulation (Excitement, novelty, challenge)
- Zerizut (Zeal/Alacrity) – Acting with enthusiasm and readiness.
- Hitlahavut (Passion/Enthusiasm) – Engaging in life and Torah with passion.
3. Hedonism (Pleasure and enjoyment)
- Oneg (Joy/Delight in Mitzvot) – Finding pleasure in fulfilling mitzvot.
- Simcha (Joy) – Experiencing deep happiness through gratitude and purpose.
4. Achievement (Personal success through competence)
- Netzach (Perseverance/Victory) – The drive to succeed and overcome challenges.
- Amal (Diligence/Laborious Effort) – The ethical commitment to hard work.
- Chashivut (Dignity/Value) – Striving to cultivate self-worth through righteous deeds.
5. Power (Social status, dominance, control)
- Malchut (Leadership/Humility in Power) – Ethical leadership with responsibility.
- Gevurah (Discipline/Restraint) – The ability to exercise control over oneself and others responsibly.
- Achrayut (Responsibility) – Recognizing the moral obligations of power.
6. Security (Safety, harmony, stability of society)
- Shalom (Peace) – Striving for social harmony.
- Tzniut (Modesty/Humility) – Creating social stability through respectful behavior.
- Bitachon (Trust in Hashem) – Faith in divine stability and protection.
7. Conformity (Restraining disruptive actions)
- Derech Eretz (Civility/Respectful Conduct) – Aligning behavior with communal expectations.
- Seder (Order) – Following structured rules for an orderly life.
- Tzniut (Modesty/Humility) – Aligning behavior within social norms.
8. Tradition (Respect, commitment to cultural/religious customs)
- Yirat Shamayim (Fear of Heaven) – Reverence for divine and Jewish traditions.
- Emunah (Faith) – Upholding Torah values across generations.
- Chesed (Loving-Kindness) – A fundamental ethic derived from Jewish teachings.
9. Benevolence (Concern for the well-being of others)
- Chesed (Kindness) – Acting for the benefit of others.
- Rachamim (Compassion) – Responding with empathy and care.
- Nedivut (Generosity) – Giving freely to those in need.
10. Universalism (Broad-mindedness, equality, environmentalism)
- Tzedek (Justice/Fairness) – Ensuring fairness and equity.
- Shalom (Peace-Making) – Seeking peace beyond one’s immediate circle.
- Achdut (Unity/Oneness of Humanity) – Recognizing the interconnectedness of all people.
Observations:
- Some middot appear in multiple value categories. For instance, Tzniut (modesty) is linked to both Conformity and Security, while Chesed (kindness) is strongly aligned with Benevolence but also Tradition in Jewish thought.
- The balance between values is crucial. For example, Gevurah (restraint) aligns with Power, but Mussar stresses that power must be tempered by Achrayut (responsibility).