Why

We all live by a set of values. Every choice we make is guided by a mix of our internal moral compass and the influence of those around us. Some of these values stay entrenched and shape the trajectories of our lives, where others are fluid and can change due to time, experience and or circumstance.  

Our individual values construct the unique perspectives we bring into the world and what we believe is right. Our values play a role in every aspect of our lives, including what we place importance on, what we prioritise and what we are willing to fight for. They shape our view on how society should function and why it all matters. 

This then plays a role into how we act on these values in our everyday lives. This is expressed through the way we conduct ourselves, how we spend our time and money, and even how we vote.  

This series will delve into many of the main topics that remain timeless – they have been issues of contention many generations ago and may continue to be issues of contention for many generations to come. These are the topics that individuals care about; they latch on to them passionately and often champion for their outcomes without questioning why. This list of topics is not exhaustive and is a list of topics that have been discussed in the political and cultural forum for quite some time.  

Each topic focuses on identifying core Liberal values, their importance to society and how they have been eroded over time. It is for us as individuals, and as a society, to question and challenge our own preconceived notions of what we believe and why.  

Let us not accept beliefs at face value or shrink away because our values may not be the most popular. Nor should we simply adopt the values of those who came before us-or those around us- out of convenience or unwillingness to think critically. Instead, we must do the work; to question, to research, and to form our own opinions based on facts, and common sense. The rest of this series provides an opportunity for you to do just that.   

This is a space for open discussion – to debate, to question, and to explore ideas. Let this series be a conversation starter. Why do we do what we do? Are we just another cog in a never-ending machine or do we have the autonomy to create the lives we choose? Why do we value certain things? Why do we hold particular beliefs?  

Let us challenge ourselves to go beyond what we think is true – and ask why we believe it in the first place, and if this still holds true today. Consider this the introductory chapter in our exploration of why. 

I’m excited and I hope you are too. 

Let’s go on this journey together.