How Much Are You Worth? Reflecting on the True Value of Each Person

Have you ever asked yourself how much you are worth in the eyes of others? A wealthy person, a powerful director, or a highly educated doctor all seem to possess a certain value. But are these measures truly sustainable? What is the genuine value that endures through time?

### Where Does Value Come From?

In life, many factors contribute to a person’s value: assets, status, degrees, knowledge, talent, appearance, and health. Venerable Thich Chan Quang once said, “Assets are clearly one factor that gives us value. However, if a rich person is stingy and does not use money to help others, their value gradually disappears.”

The same applies to status or academic titles. Initially, people may respect someone for their position or education, but if they do not use these advantages to benefit society, respect slowly turns into contempt.

### Ethics – The Core Element

Among all factors, ethics is the most solid foundation. A person with good character, who lives humbly, politely, without greed, and speaks truthfully, naturally earns the affection of others. The teacher emphasized, “For monastics, cultivating ethics is the foremost priority. Without ethics, spiritual practice becomes meaningless.”

Even in the Buddha’s teachings, those who still hold onto unwholesome actions lack the moral integrity necessary for liberation. Ethics is the key that opens the path to enlightenment.

### The Root of All Value: Merit

Deeper still, all these elements—wealth, talent, beauty, and health—originate from merit accumulated in previous lives. The teacher explained, “Where does the root of these factors come from? It comes from merit. Since each person creates it differently, everyone emerges with unique strengths that earn them respect.”

Those with abundant merit are welcomed and find peace wherever they go. Those lacking merit may be looked down upon despite having high qualifications. Therefore, creating merit is essential, not only for a better life but also for building lasting value.

### Signs of Walking the Right Path

How can we know if our spiritual practice is correct? According to the teacher, there are two clear signs. First, the mind feels peaceful, experiencing subtle joy and greater happiness. Second, life circumstances become more fortunate, and one receives more respect from others.

If practicing leads to family misfortune or personal anxiety, one must reconsider their approach. Authentic Dharma always brings peace and progress.

### Spiritual Value – Infinite and Eternal

Ultimately, the highest value lies not in material possessions or fame, but in spiritual life. A poor street vendor who chants sutras, meditates, and turns toward the Buddha’s teachings possesses infinite value. The teacher shared, “Authentic spiritual life grants humans an infinite value. Even if that person continues selling boiled sweet potatoes daily, we dare not look down on them, for perhaps one day they will become a bodhisattva.”

All assets and positions vanish at death; only the merit of spiritual practice follows us into future lives.

Begin with small acts: a smile, a helping hand, a moment of sharing. Every altruistic action is a seed of merit. Do not chase fleeting external values. Instead, cultivate worth from within. This is what makes you truly precious, worthy of respect, and enduring through time.