A better way to think about personal values is that we are rational animals and thus do (as we ought to) integrate our actions into long-range, sometimes life-l

A better way to think about personal values is that we are rational animals and thus do (as we ought to) integrate our actions into long-range, sometimes life-long plans -- purpose, goals, objectives, i.e. values. This integration means that the value of what you do or have is what it enables you to do or have next. Think of steps on a ladder. For instance, one visits the grocery store in order to buy food ingredients so as to prepare a meal (furthering nutrition, health, sensual pleasure, friendship if you share that meal...). The higher each of your purposes, the more valuable all the intermediate steps, actions, and belongings that support your path to it.* Ultimately the price you must pay for all of your values is your own time, so make the most of it! * I think of this as teleological chains, and hold that there is a firm biological basis for this.