We Mistakenly Focus on Tools Instead of Values

Our language, laws, rules, and procedures are tools.  They help us distinguish between, label, and categorize facts, and direct our actions.  These tools tend to become our focal points.  The values implicit in these points can be hidden in their creation, and lost or disguised in the way they are portrayed and utilized, and consequently subconsciously become our own values.  Laws are what we deem to be the lowest acceptable behaviors or actions and help to establish and maintain our civilized society.  Rules and procedures are outlines as to how things are normally done to accomplish certain goals. While it is technically okay to focus on what is minimally acceptable and the way things are usually done, it results in our focusing on the tools being used and forgetting about considering and focusing on our values. When we walk, run or drive, we look forward and not down at each individual step, lest we trip and lose our balance  

We are free to live according to higher values and need to inspire and encourage each other to aim higher and remember the valued goals.  Laws, rules, and standard procedures too often serve to absolve individuals of moral responsibility.  If we focus on our higher values, then exceeding the line of minimal acceptability will not be a concern.