Behind every complex system—whether it's a sophisticated software architecture, an expansive network topology, or the unpredictable currents of the capital market—there must exist a set of "core protocols" governing its operation. For each of us, the underlying code that determines our direction and our choices is what we commonly call the "Three Views": Worldview, View of Life, and Values.
They are not abstract philosophical concepts suspended in the air; they are the "operating system" of our brain. Understanding, debugging, and optimizing them is a lifelong endeavor.
I. What are the "Three Views"? Deconstructing Life's Core Modules
To understand the Three Views, we can see them as three core modules for processing information and guiding behavior. They progress layer by layer and are intrinsically linked.
Worldview: The "Global Vision" for Perceiving Reality Worldview is our overarching perspective on the universe, nature, human society, and the laws governing their operation. It is the "map" in our mind. How do we view the relationship between matter and consciousness? Do we acknowledge that the development of things is cyclical, structural, and governed by objective laws? Simply put, Worldview answers the question: "How does the world truly work?"
View of Life: The "Core Algorithm" for Charting Life's Path If Worldview is the map, the View of Life is the navigational route we set for ourselves within a finite life cycle. It encompasses our fundamental views on life's purpose, meaning, and attitude. How do we face birth, aging, sickness, death, prosperity, and adversity? The View of Life answers the question: "What do humans live for?"
Values: The "Evaluation Function" for Weighing Trade-offs In every life choice, we face complex variables. Values are the standards we use to measure the worth of things and to judge right from wrong when faced with multiple options. When conflicts arise between short-term gain and long-term development, or between personal desires and collective interests, what "weight" do we assign to each factor? Values answer the question: "What is truly important?"
II. What Are "Correct" Core Values?
Exploring "correctness" isn't about imposing a rigid dogma; it's about seeking a highly robust paradigm of thinking that supports our continuous growth and fosters a positive interaction with reality.
1. A Materialistic, Dialectical, and Open Worldview A "correct" worldview is built upon respecting objective facts and foundational logic. It rejects superstition and blind faith, as well as groundless pessimism or arrogance. It requires us to understand the universal connections between things and to accept the world's complexity and uncertainty. Someone with a sound worldview can see through the surface noise to perceive the trends and cycles of evolution.
2. A Positive, Resilient, and Constructive View of Life A "correct" View of Life doesn't seek a placid ease devoid of ripples, nor does it squander time for fleeting sensory pleasures. It means dedicating a finite life to meaningful creation. It involves possessing a powerful capacity for self-repair when encountering systemic risks or personal low points, and always maintaining a curiosity and desire to explore the unknown.
3. Values Centered on Long-termism and Responsibility In evaluating worth, "correct" Values understand delayed gratification and possess a "long-termist" perspective. They focus not only on maximizing individual gain but also on finding a balance between self-interest and altruism. Honesty, trustworthiness, respect for rules, upholding moral boundaries, and a willingness to contribute to the healthy functioning of the societal system are all vital.
III. How to Cultivate and Reshape Correct Core Values?
The Three Views are not factory-installed, fixed components; they are a dynamic system that requires continuous iteration and reconstruction through practice. Cultivating them correctly can be approached from three paths:
1. Expand High-Quality "Data Input" and Broaden Cognitive Boundaries
Cognition determines the upper limit of our core values. In an age of fragmented information and emotionalized expression, we need to build a powerful "filter" to block out low-quality noise.
- Deep Reading and Interdisciplinary Learning: Widely explore history, science, philosophy, and cutting-edge technology. Understanding the cycles of history and the rigor of science can vastly broaden the dimensions through which we see the world.
- Travel Far and Meet Diverse People: Step out of the information cocoon. Engage with people from different backgrounds and observe the development of various industries. The real, tangible world is the most effective proving ground for testing our core values.
2. Establish Critical Thinking and Conduct Regular "Self-Code Reviews"
We must become accustomed to deeply examining our native beliefs.
- Examine the Premises: When reaching a conclusion or making a judgment, ask yourself: Are the premises on which this conclusion rests still valid? Is there a serious cognitive bias at play?
- Review and Debug: When encountering setbacks or failures, don't rush to blame external factors. Instead, look inward. See if the "evaluation weights" in your Values were set incorrectly, or if the "objective function" of your View of Life has deviated. The courage to overturn one's own beliefs is key to reshaping core values.
3. Complete "Compiling and Running" Through Practice and Transmission
No matter how perfect the theory, it must be run in the compiler of reality to find out if there are bugs.
- Unity of Knowledge and Action: Let the principles you believe in take root in practice. If you believe long-termism is important, then spend several years focusing on honing a skill, completing a project, or deepening your expertise in a field.
- Achieving Elevation Through Guiding Others: Whether as a parent, a mentor, or a team leader, when we try to pass on ideas to a younger generation or beginners, explaining the operating rules of a complex world, the pressure to ensure the "code" we transmit is clear and correct forces us to purify and organize our own core values. This process of "teaching and learning benefiting each other" is one of the most effective ways to solidify our own core values.
Conclusion
Worldview, View of Life, and Values form the deepest lighthouse within us. In this rapidly changing era, external technological frameworks and market environments may repeatedly collapse and rebuild. But as long as the "foundational logic" in our hearts is clear and solid enough, we can calmly analyze complexity and walk a steadfast, wide-open path through the wilderness of life.