To talk about values and ideals is easy. To live them is much more difficult, because no one is perfect. Like all good things, it requires effort.

At times we all fall short of our ideals and values. The question is: Do we have ideals and values? I hope this book will be used by individuals, families and schools as a starting point for discussing character ideals in personal development. Values and ideals are as important as any other subject taught in school because without them your other skills may bring little personal satisfaction.

Although I’ve called this a book about values, it is really about personal happiness. Your happiness will come from the values and ideals you choose for yourself. If you choose wisely, your values will bring you strength and a foundation to build a satisfying life. Your values will shape your life.

This book is not intended to “teach” you values and ideals. Family, culture and faith traditions may be the best teachers. Rather, it is intended to share with you values and ideals that men and women have respected as long as history has been recorded, and to encourage discussion about them.