Being in Atlanta during Hurricane Helene was an experience that stirred up so many emotions—gratefulness that we were safe yet a powerful sense of empathy and sorrow for those directly in its path. Helene’s arrival underscored something deeply human: while we may be spared from certain storms, others around us may not be so lucky. And just as I was processing these layered feelings, I was at the Hartman Institute conference, immersing myself in profound conversations about values, ethics, and human connection. It felt as if the very themes we were discussing came to life in real-time.
The Hartman Institute conference brought together inspiring voices and experts on how values shape us as individuals and communities. As Hurricane Helene loomed, the principles of the Hartman Value Profile gained even more significance. This tool helps us understand the structure of our values, including the way we prioritize self-interest, practical actions, and idealistic empathy. In the face of a storm, these value layers revealed so much about how we respond to crises and how compassion becomes essential in our relationships.
One concept that resonated with me was resilience—a value that stands firm amidst turbulence, even when we can’t change the situation. Many speakers emphasized that resilience doesn’t mean ignoring fear or loss but instead finding ways to support others and contribute to a collective strength. This resilience played out in the empathy we felt as Helene’s effects rippled through communities, both within and outside Atlanta. When faced with something uncontrollable, our greatest strength is often in the connections we build to support one another.
A theme woven throughout the conference was the concept of unity and shared values. In moments of crisis, we naturally gravitate toward one another, seeking comfort, assistance, and hope. This unity was palpable at the conference itself, with people from diverse backgrounds coming together for a shared purpose. Just as in the face of the storm, we were all reminded of our collective humanity, our mutual vulnerability, and the power of leaning on shared values to weather the storms, both literal and metaphorical.
Reflecting on this idea during Helene, I felt how essential it is to actively nurture and build relationships, not just when we’re in need but also when we have something to give. The storm showed that it’s not enough to hope for safety just for ourselves. True unity means extending that hope and our resources to everyone around us. This extends into our personal and professional lives, where we can build networks that uplift others, ensuring that no one faces their storm alone.
Another core takeaway was the concept of practical wisdom, something the Hartman Institute emphasizes as key to translating values into action. Practical wisdom, or phronesis, as discussed by the speakers, is about taking our guiding principles and using them in real, tangible ways. In the context of Helene, it made me think about the practical actions we can take to help those impacted by natural disasters—donating, volunteering, or simply offering support to those directly affected. Small acts of service grounded in our values can make a significant difference.
Practical wisdom also requires us to balance empathy with action. While empathy alone can sometimes feel paralyzing, especially when faced with massive crises like natural disasters, practical wisdom encourages us to find proactive ways to help, even in the smallest actions. Helene was a reminder of the urgency of not only feeling for others but also acting in ways that align with our values to bring relief and healing.
As I walked away from the Hartman Institute conference, I felt inspired not just by the knowledge shared but by the way these lessons applied directly to the events unfolding around us. Hurricane Helene was a stark reminder of how fragile and interconnected we are. It encouraged me to ask myself questions like, What can I do to prepare for storms, both literal and figurative? How can I extend support to those weathering their own struggles? And ultimately, What values guide me when the unexpected arises?
This experience was a call to reconnect with the values that ground us as humans, from resilience and unity to practical wisdom and empathy. These principles can guide us, not just in times of crisis but as we navigate the complexities of daily life. Helene may have passed, but the human lessons remain, urging us to look out for each other and act with a generosity of spirit that extends beyond our individual needs.
In times like these, we are reminded of a simple yet profound truth: our values are most powerful when they guide our actions, especially in the face of life’s storms. As the Hartman Institute taught us, values are not just beliefs—they’re commitments to act in ways that lift ourselves and others, no matter the challenges we face.
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