One needs to know what the hierarchy of values are from which one takes inspiration, and in a democratic society this is the subject of continuous democratic debate.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Anyone who wants to be part of the political process should adopt values that are compatible with democracy.
I believe that democracy is about values before it is about voting. These values must be nurtured within society and integrated into the electoral process itself.
As our values are the core to who we are as human beings, they are also the easiest way to identify and connect with others in meaningful ways. Think about it - most political campaigns are based around values. Barack Obama's 2008 election campaign galvanized millions of youth behind two very clear values - hope and change.
I take the debate on the method of promoting democracy seriously.
What should be targeted is a concept of organic, and not just mechanic, democracy that preserves the rule of law, separation of powers, and that is participatory and pluralistic.
Everybody has values. Now, you know it may be formed in a secular setting, it may be formed in an intellectual setting, but everybody comes forward with values.
I very much believe in values-based leadership and that the values that I believe in and try to govern by are transcendent values.
One of the great problems of philosophy is the relationship between the realm of knowledge and the realm of values. Knowledge is what is; values are what ought to be.
You must engage at the level of people's higher order values, and in doing so, you can engage them in a meaningful way on a large number of issues.
If you were to ask me to choose between democratic values and wealth, power, prosperity and fame, I will very easily and without any doubt choose democratic values.