Satirical works of Kshemendra (study)

by Arpana Devi | 2017 | 60,954 words

This page relates ‘1-2. Concept and Definition of Values’ part of the study on the Satirical works of Kshemendra: an 11th century poet from Kashmir, who composed three satirical works. Kshemendra himself says that in composing the satirical works his only motive is to reform the mindset of the people.—He exposes all the vices and follies prevailing in the society with the intention to reform it.

1-2. Concept and Definition of Values

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Concept of Values:

The well-being of a society is mainly assessed on the people who are living in that society. The goodness of the society is therefore depends upon the goodness of each and every individual. Values are undoubtedly regarded as the indispensable component for the welfare of a human society. Values help one to know the right way from the wrong one. For both individual as well as social life, ‘value’ is getting more and more importance. Values are virtues, qualities and ideals on which actions and beliefs are based. If a person is truly guided by values, it will develop his personality, social morality and will also guide him to be a responsible member of the society. Values are the beauty and grace of life. They guide human being towards noble goals. It gives not only guidance but also stimulates and motivates one to do something meaningful. The process of adopting more and more values opens the door to the beautiful world of harmonious relationships; mutual trust and love. They are the indispensable constituents of civilization. Practice of values can resist common human weaknesses. A value based society is always progressive and full of peace and happiness. In such an ideal society, the values like moral and social ones would be upheld and respected by the people. On the other hand, where there is crisis in values, the society itself becomes degenerative. If the values leave their place, vices will occupy it. Vices bring the downfall of civilizations.

Definition of Values:

It is difficult to get a universal definition of value. Different educationists and philosophers give the definition of values in different ways. According to M.T. Ramji, ‘A value is what is desired or what is sought. Values may be operationally conceived as those guiding principles of life which are conducive to one’s physical and mental health as well as to social welfare and adjustment and which are in tune with one’s culture.’^[1] According to Kane, ‘values are the ideals, beliefs or norms which a society or the large majority of a society’s members holds.’^[2] According to Goldsmith, ‘values are principles that guide human behaviour in certain ways. Thus, the values are the deep seated psychological construct that direct our preferences to achieve what is good in life.’^[3] According to Rokeach, ‘values are that which guide our behaviour and put meaning into our existence.’^[4] According to eminent sociologists Prof. Radha Kamal Mukherjee, ‘values are socially approved desires or goals. If any individual has his or her own certain value or values but they are not approved or sanctioned by society then they will not be values but disvalue or disvalues or anti-values and they involve society’s displeasure or even opposite or punishment.^[5]