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11.2
A revisit to the concept of value systems
 
  In Chapter 3 we introduced the concept of specific types of belief systems called value systems- sets of concepts that allow us to consider consistent responses to different situations.  
11.2.1 The flighty ego and consistency of situation  
  To ego, the projection of desire is for a world where objects and people remain relatively constant to the ideal that we project. hence, change is seen by us, due to influence of ego as something to be feared and avoided. We have seen just how false and misaligned this concept of trying to stop the world is.  
  The world continues to change as do the people within it. Our body must constantly change, constantly adapt, to keep alive. For instance, we recognize the change of seasons, yet if ego had its way, our bodies would not change states of function, therefore temperature changes would not occur, we would die.  
11.2.2 The avoidance of the now moment  
  As strange as ego is, its deepest nature is revealed when we consider its prime motivation to distract us from the now moment, the infinite succession of unique situations, divided according to the measure of awareness of time that we place on each group. We may choose to measure each now moment in seconds, or minutes, or fractions of a second. Each is unique and each follows in a succession, of those about to happen to become a moment that has past ( memory).  
  Understanding that ego wishes us to avoid focusing on the now moment and our need to address the now moment to change and be aware, gives us a clue as to where we need to consider tools to find balance and defeat ego.  
  Whatever we choose, it has to be capable of operating in the now moment. For if we choose to use tools in the future thinking moment, or the past thinking moment, then we are in the clutches of ego.  
11.2.3 Values and the now moment  
  Value belief systems are unique systems in that their purpose and focus is on providing a framework for addressing the change and succession of now moments. Values are supposed to be applicable to the now moment.  
  Values that do not operate in the now moment, are not values but different beliefs, such as desires.  
11.2.4 The "ideal" values  
  As we discussed, there are values and ideal values contained within the rich philosophical history of all major religions around the world. The most consistent as being listed as the most ideal is "virtue". Therefore, let us return to review the concept of virtue and the values attached to it, to see whether these suit our understanding of ego and the alignment to SOL?  
     
 
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