Final answer:
The decisions we make are guided by our values, which are deeply held beliefs about what is important in life. Values influence everything from everyday choices to long-term goals and reflect personal as well as cultural beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decisions we make usually depend on our values, which are the beliefs regarding what is most important to us.
Values are deeply embedded cultural standards that discern what is good and just in society. They are critical for transmitting and teaching a culture's beliefs, and they signify judgments about the way people ought to think, feel, or act based on what is good, worthwhile, or important. For instance, if you choose to read a specific book because it aligns with your belief in understanding racial injustice, this action is guided by your values, which reflect both personal and cultural beliefs about what is important.
The fact-value distinction is essential to this understanding, as it differentiates between the actual state of affairs (facts) and what people believe ought to be (values). By identifying and understanding our values, we can better navigate decisions in life, whether they are as routine as making a purchase, or as complex as setting life goals.