What term refers to personal beliefs that drive your actions?

Values refer to the deeply held beliefs that shape an individual's perspective and guide their decisions and actions. They form the foundation of a person's character and influence how one interacts with the world. Values can encompass a wide range of ideas, such as honesty, loyalty, and compassion, and are often personal and subjective, reflecting what is important to an individual.

While ethics, principles, and morals are related concepts, they refer to different aspects of belief and behavior. Ethics typically involve rules or standards governing behavior, usually agreed upon by a group or society. Principles are broader guidelines that inform decisions and actions but do not have the same personal or emotional weight as values. Morals are often associated with the distinction between right and wrong and can vary across cultures; they may be influenced by societal laws or religious beliefs. In contrast, values are inherently personal and are distinct from these other concepts, emphasizing the individual's unique belief system that inspires action.