Value-Space is Lumpy
Just as the objects in ordinary space have different densities, the objects in value-space
also vary in density. By being aware of the different densities of objects of value,
we are able to better target where we are trying to go. Awareness of the different
densities provides us with a “value map.”
This map reveals that there are three broad categories of densities in value space:
1. People = they are the densest and the most valuable, as they
are unique and not replaceable.
2. Physical Things, Actions, and Social Roles = these are less
dense than people, and they are replaceable. While one person cannot be “replaced”
by another, one employee or car can easily be replaced by another. Also, a social
role is just a “slice” of a person entire life.
3. Ideas = these are the least valuable since they must usually
be translated into something physical before they can be used to satisfy a need.
For example, a blueprint must be translated into a house before one can live in
it.
In addition to there being three categories of objects, there are also three perspectives
we can take when valuing objects.
1. Intrinsically value = love or be obsessed with it. This is the
most fulfilling way to value something.
2. Practically value = use something for a specific purpose. This
is less fulfilling than loving something, but it is more fulfilling than just labeling.
3. Labeling value = just applying a name to something. This is
the least fulfilling way to value something, but it
does help to organize and identify
what we are talking about.
Each of the three perspectives of valuing something can be used in a positive or
negative way. When we “intrinsically value” in a negative
way, we “hate” the object of value. When we “practically value”
some object in a negative way, we use it for a specific purpose
that actually decreases our total fulfillment. Finally, when we “label” objects
in a negative way, we use names in a way that prevents us from
being as fulfilled as we could be.
Forest Map Metaphor
Fulfillment can be defined as the fit between who we actually are and who we want
to be.
If we liken our total fulfillment
to a fire, then we have a metaphor
that helps illustrate how being aware of value densities can be helpful. If fulfillment
is a fire within us, then objects that increase the intensity of that fire are good.
Let us assume that wood is the main material needed to increase the intensity of
the fire. Now, we can let different densities of wooded areas represent each of
the three classes of objects of value that we described above.
1. Rainforests = people
2. Ordinary forests = things, actions, or social roles
3. An individual tree = ideas, ideologies, etc.
This world map that shows the density of trees in different areas provides us with
an illustration that depicts the “lumpiness” of the objects of value. This is the
“treasure map” that shows us where the most valuable objects are located.
In order to increase the intensity of the fire within, we need to collect firewood.
Imagine that the three valuing perspectives provide modes of transportation for
us to collect that wood in the following manner.
1. Intrinsically valuing = flying in an airplane
2. Practically valuing = riding in a car
3. Labeling = walking
When we use the valuing perspective in a positive (“fulfillment-increasing”) way, we are
traveling towards the firewood. However, when we apply the valuing perspective in
a negative way, we are traveling
away from the wood or actually destroying trees
in some cases.
Although flying is always the fastest way to get anywhere, all three valuing perspectives
are needed at different times. For example, we often need to do some walking in
order to get to the car that is used to get us to the airport and
so on. In the
value world, we cannot always be flying in the plane – we need to apply the appropriate
perspective at the right times, or we will miss the target.
When flying in a plane at over 600 miles an hour, it often feels like we are not
even moving and time is standing completely still. This is also how it feels when
we are obsessed or in love with something. This is the state in which we would love
to spend most of our lives. Actually, the ideal situation would be to have as many
people as possible flying in the plane with us.
Although having as many people as possible flying in the plane with us is the ideal
situation, there are often many worldly tasks that must be taken care of first before
we can even get to the point where we have the opportunity
to even board the plane
(that is to say, to even start valuing something intrinsically). This is why we
have to take on different valuing perspectives at different times.
Here is a concrete example of why it is important to learn to apply the appropriate
valuing perspective at the right time. If we are trying to accomplish some specific
goal (which should involve the practically valuing perspective)
like building a hospital billing system, but try to do it by intrinsically
valuing every patient, it will not be very efficient. When we should just be collecting
only billing information about each patient, a billing system that tries to value
everyone intrinsically would try to capture every piece of information about each
patient’s entire life, which would be useless for the goal of collecting payments
for medical services rendered.
The critical element in choosing the correct valuing perspective is our
RANGE OF FOCUS.
1. If we are trying to value something “intrinsically,” our focus should be very
broad to allow us to take in everything about the object of value.
2. However, when we are trying to value “practically” in order to accomplish some
goal, we need to streamline our focus down to only on those features
that are needed to get the job done.
3. Finally, when we are just trying to label objects, we only need to focus on the
few features that the objects have in common and that separate them from everything
else.
It usually helps to take the most direct path to get to our destination. For example,
if we are taking a long car trip on the interstate, we should usually avoid scenic
side trips on the back roads, unless we desire that sort of thing. In general, it
helps to repeat the mantra: Streamline, Streamline, Streamline. The only problem
with this mantra is that some of the best things that I have encountered in my own
life have occurred while I was on a detour.
In summary, there are three categories of objects of value:
|
Category |
Level of Value |
Metaphor |
|
People |
Most Valuable |
Rainforests |
|
Things,Actions Roles |
Medium Value |
Forests |
|
Ideas,Ideologies |
Least Valuable |
Individual Trees |
There are also three perspectives we can take when valuing objects.
|
Perspective |
Level of Fulfillment |
Metaphor |
|
Intrinsic |
Highest |
Airplane |
|
Practical |
Medium |
Car |
|
Labeling
|
Least |
Walking |
The total fulfillment in each of us is represented
by the fire.