Both moral and ethical values of a given community emanate from the social principles that particular society has. A society that prioritizes moral and ethical values can coexist in harmony with a sense of togetherness, overcome challenges that may threaten the unity and peace of that particular society.
Values are a set of principles that are morally desirable behaviors that are acceptable and exercised by the society. Therefore, values are shared concepts that have both direct and indirect impact on societal values. Documents indicated that shared values play a significant role in uniting people with different cultural backgrounds and creating a social cohesion.
As it is stated on the social media page of the Ministry of Peace, constructive value systems have an imperative role for peace and nation building. Ethiopia, as a land of multiculturalism and a place where several cultural practices are entertained, both individual and group value systems have a key role in further unifying the people.
As an ancient country that gives due emphasis to indigenous traditional cultures, moral values and ethics, Ethiopians have been governed by those moral values. Because of this, it is common among the people (especially, those who truly understand the concept of moral values) to practice honesty, sincerity and integrity.
Values are the foundations of Ethiopianism that goes beyond individual and group interest and stands for the common good of the whole country. According to the Ministry of Peace, constructive values magnify individuals’ love to the country and create healthy social-cohesion among the society. Not only that, since positive values are sources of peace and unity, they are well cherished and protected by society.
Whenever there are individuals with constructive value systems, it is possible to build a strong nation; and under the paths of togetherness social-cohesion will be ensured. On the contrary, whenever the moral and social values of a given country are eroded, social cohesion will be threatened and nation building will be a difficult journey.
According to the Ministry, over the past few years, selfishness and isolationism that originated from lack of moral and social values have cost the nation a lot and disrupt its precious peace and stability. Both internal and external challenges had been sources of conflict. However, thanks to peoples’ age-old social and cultural values that kept the nation united for centuries, all the threats faded away leaving the space for peace.
Ethiopiansim is the only unifying factor that binds all Ethiopians together. No matter where they live or how they live, the concept of Ethiopianism with all social and cultural values is engraved within the heart of every Ethiopian. The Ethiopian sentiment and common psychological makeup that governs their mind is still the driving force behind the peace and stability of the country.
It is crystal clear that whenever common values are protected and cultivated, sustainable peace and stability are the ultimate results. That is why the notion of indigenous Ethiopian values should be further strengthened and giving attention is exhorted over and over. In its message, the Ministry of Peace urged all Ethiopians to stand for peace, to honor togetherness, solidarity and unity at the expense of partisanship and selfishness.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 29 AUGUST 2023
