P=ENTS Values

In every aspect of our lives, we find ourselves a part of various communities, be they professional, personal or recreational. 

Take a moment to consider which of those communities you resonate with most deeply. The chances are its because genuinely uphold and practice their professed values. What about those you're less interested in? Maybe their values are they just clever promotional rhetoric. 

We don't make the mistake of conflating values with ideology. The values of truth, beauty and goodness stand apart from ideological dogma. They have graced humanity since its dawn, serving as enduring constants for ethical and purposeful living.

Ideologies, on the other hand, are restrictive, sowing division and narrow-mindedness. They often dictate a rigid set of beliefs, leaving no room for nuanced understanding or adaptation. Ideological thinking leads to stagnation, intolerance and, in extreme cases, conflict. Instead of uniting people under a shared vision, ideologies segregate us into opposing camps.

That creates alienation, the polar opposite of community. Here at P=ENTS, we base our methodology on ideas that unite us, despite our differences. The enduring values of truth, beauty and goodness serve that purpose. We don't let them be overshadowed or tainted by transient ideological stances. 

In an age where authenticity is both sought after and scarce, it is important to discern whether the communities we align with stand firm in their core beliefs, or if their principles are mere echoes of fleeting trends. 

What are your community's core values? Will they stand the test of time too?

The pursuit of truth encourages transparency, trust and informed decision-making in communities. It encompasses the following principles:

Objectivity

The pursuit of objectivity in community life allows us to establish shared standards, reliable information and fair decision-making processes, promoting trust, cooperation and a common ground for addressing challenges and achieving sustainable outcomes.

Integrity

Upholding integrity within a community ensures that individuals and institutions act morally.

Clarity

Clarity of communication and understanding is crucial for the sustainability of a community.

Authenticity

Embracing authenticity in community interactions fosters a sense of belonging, individual self-expression and cultural diversity.

The integration of beauty inspires creativity, enhances the community experience and fosters a sense of belonging. It encompasses the principles below: 

Harmony

The presence of harmony in a community instills a sense of order, balance and coherence.

Sublimity

Recognising the sublime in community spaces and experiences allows individuals to encounter something greater than themselves. The sublime captures our imagination, evoking a sense of awe and wonder that transcends the mundane.

Proportion

Embracing the principle of proportion in community design and aesthetics creates a sense of balance and coherence. The careful arrangement of elements in proportionate relationships brings visual, spatial and emotional harmony.

Transcendence

Acknowledging the transcendence inherent in the beauty of community spaces and artistic expressions opens doors to the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of human existence.  

Goodness encompasses moral values, ethical conduct and a commitment to the well-being of the community. 

The cultivation of goodness establishes ethical frameworks, empathy and a commitment to the welfare of those around us. The principles below help us discern it:

Prudence

Prudence strikes a balance between impulsive decisions and paralysis by analysis, guiding us to deliberate and timely actions.

Justice

Justice ensures that actions and decisions are rooted in fairness, transcending biases and unequal treatments.

Temperance

Temperance navigates between the extremes of total deprivation and unrestrained indulgence, promoting moderation in all pursuits.

Courage

Courage positions itself between the pitfalls of undue fear and reckless daring, inspiring brave yet thoughtful actions.

If we look hard enough, there are profound truths to be uncovered in the world around us. Even when they are uncomfortable, we still seek them out because we have a desire to be authentic.

We are wired to seek beauty. This stems from our primal desire for balance, order and inspiration in our lives. It goes deeper than the superficial. It encompasses what is truly beautiful about us - our courage, compassion, kindess and empathy. 

Although at times we may make mistakes in our choices, the compass of our spirit persistently points towards what is good.

A community's stability is dependent on staying as close as possible to these values. Communities are, of course, made up of people and so community cohesion is inextricably linked to how its members interact.

As Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote in The Gulag Archipelago: "The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being".  

We are always navigating this internal landscape. That which is real, right and lovely guides us through the wilderness.

These are not fleeting sentiments. They are, in fact, the timeless values which unite us and upon which the progress of our communities depend.

By cherishing them, we can avoid unnecessary drama and conflict. By allowing them to guide our steps, we can bridge the chasms that threaten to separate our commmunities. 

What else can?