Are human values timeless and universal, arising from what it essentially means to be human?

Question

Are they social, cultural and historical, changing over time?

Do they reflect the interests of certain human beings at a possible cost to others?

Answer 1

human values can all be traced back to be self-motivated.
ex. if someone is hanging over a really high cliff, why do you help them?
answer: you help them because,
1. survival of the species, natural respose,
2. they may save you at some point later,
or 3. they may help you by aquireing food and shelter

as you see, there is always a reason for a supposedly "goog" action

Answer 2

I think its fairly obvious from human history and from observation that values change both with time and with location. Observe the differences in Western values, versus the Middle East, or the Orient. Contrast American with Native American values.
Its clear that values are related more to the people and places that they are made than to any timeless definition.

Answer 3

Only the Truth, the Cosmic Laws of the Universe is timeless.
Human values have Ego involved, which has a *mind* component, and is bound by time.
Everything in this material world is *impermanent*, which means, ever-changing. Whatever material, is bound by time, and have a life-span.

Answer 4

Well, it used to be socially acceptable beat a woman - so long as what you use was no thicker than your thumb - hence the saying of 'Rule of Thumb'. Things change - in fact the only thing you can count on is change.

Answer 5

Human values are timeless & universal however the
are heavily influenced by social, & cultural more and change
over time....
They have positive & negative influence on others depending
on the particular value ...

Answer 6

"Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness",
By: Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
is an excellent book which speaks precisely on this subject.

Answer 7

I like to belive that there's something completely pure out there, waiting to be achieved.