The Three Views That Shape Life: A Conversation with My Son

This weekend was a long weekend, and my son, John, asked me, “What’s the name of this long weekend?”

“It’s Family Day,” I told him.

Family Day is a holiday in various countries and regions that emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and famiy.

Last night, we played our family’s traditional game: Monopoly. John shared a new theory he had learned from social media about Monopoly’s most important investment strategy. In the end, I secured the best properties built six hotels, and both John and my husband went bankrupt. We laughed and spent nearly 4.5 hours of quality time together—just like old times.

The Three Life Values That Matter

Between all the fun, I brought up an age-old yet ever-important topic with John—the three fundamental life values.

In today’s world, where countless voices flood social media—TikTokers, YouTubers, bloggers, and influencers—everyone wants to shape what people think is important. But how often do we pause and reflect on the core values that truly define our lives?

Last year, I saw a TikTok influencer showing off his luxurious lifestyle—private jets, mansions across the world, five-star vacations, expensive cars, and extravagant dining. He had millions of followers, and over 90% of them were young people.

I couldn’t help but wonder:

  • What kind of worldview are these young people developing?
  • What do they think truly matters in life?
  • Are they starting to believe that only the rich are respected while the poor are overlooked?
  • Are they learning to trust no one, believing that only money and power matter?
  • Will they grow up valuing materialism above all else?

This is where the Three Views (三观 in Chinese) come in—a guiding system that influences a person’s life and direction.

I sat down with John and talked about these three essential values—what they are and why they are important.

What Are the Three Views?

The Three Views are:

  1. Worldview (How you see the world) 🌍
  2. Lifeview (What you want in life) 🎯
  3. Values (What is most important to you) ⚖️

These aren’t just abstract ideas—they actively shape your decisions, mindset, and future. I call it “the life’s navigating system”.

1. Worldview (世界观) – How You See the World

Your worldview is like a mirror🪞—how you see the world determines what it reflects back to you.

Some people believe the world is mostly fair—hard work pays off, and success comes from perseverance. Others see the world as a place full of deception—where only luck, privilege, or family background matter.

It answers questions like:

  • Is the world fair or unfair?
  • Do people succeed through hard work or luck?
  • Are people naturally good or self-centered?

Why is it important?

Your worldview affects your attitude toward challenges, opportunities, and other people.

  • If you believe hard work leads to success, you’ll stay motivated in tough times.
  • If you think success is all about luck, you may feel powerless and give up easily.
  • If you view the world as full of opportunities, you’ll take more risks and embrace change.

📌 Example: Your worldview influences in lives, such as:

  • Why you buy a car – Is it to show off, or simply as a means of transportation?
  • How you handle difficulties – Do you face challenges positively or retreat when things get tough?
  • How you make friends – Do you trust people or see friendships as a means of mutual benefit?

Your perception of the world shapes your response to life’s challenges. A positive worldview helps people become more optimistic, confident, and proactive in life. 

2. Lifeview (人生观) – What Kind of Life Do You Want?

Your lifeview defines your goals, motivations, and sense of purpose.

It answers questions like:

  • What does success mean to you?
  • Do you value wealth, freedom, knowledge, happiness, or impact?
  • What makes life meaningful?

Why is your lifeview important?

It determines your priorities and decision-making:

  • If you believe life is about chasing wealth → you may focus on financial success.
  • If you think experiences matter more → you might prioritize travel or adventure.
  • If you see life as about helping others → you might dedicate yourself to service and relationships.
  • If you see life as a way to make the world better → you might focus on innovation, activism, or creating positive change in your community.

Your life view determines your sense of happiness and the significant choices you make in life. 📌 Example:

  • Do you want to use your talents to change the world?
  • Or do you find motivation in pursuing wealth, status, and recognition?
  • How do we measure success? 
    • A high salary and financial security 💰
    • A well-traveled life filled with adventure ✈️
    • Deep relationships and strong family ties ❤️
    • Knowledge and personal growth 📚

The way you define success and happiness influences everything—from your studies to your career and personal ambitions.

3. Values (价值观) – What Matters Most to You?

What are values?

Your values are the core principles that guide your decisions and behavior. They answer:

  • What do you stand for?
  • What is more important—honesty or success, freedom or security, family or career?
  • What will you never compromise on or boundary?

Why are values important?

Your values shape your daily decisions, relationships, and sense of fulfillment.

  • If you value integrity, you’ll always aim to be honest, even if it costs you something.
  • If you prioritize success at all costs, you may take shortcuts to get ahead.
  • If you value friendship over status, you’ll invest more in relationships than in career growth.

Different people prioritize different things:

  • Some believe honesty is the most important virtue.
  • Others think money matters more than anything else.
  • Some value reputation and how others perceive them.

📌 Example: When choosing friends:

  • Some seek genuine connection and shared values.
  • Some focus on personal compatibility and fun.
  • Others prioritize status and social influence.

Your values determine how you navigate relationships, choices, and even small daily interactions.

Why These Three Views Matter

🌍 Worldview → Shapes your perception of reality
🎯 Lifeview → Determines your purpose and goals
⚖️ Values → Guides your actions and decisions

When these align, you live a more fulfilling and authentic life. When they conflict, you feel lost, uncertain, and dissatisfied.

🔹 Someone who values creativity but believes “only traditional jobs are stable” will struggle between passion and security.
🔹 Someone who wants a happy family but sees the world as cruel and unforgiving may struggle to trust others.

Final Thoughts: Helping Our Children Develop the Right Values

The Bible teaches us about gratitude, truth, and goodness. But in today’s world, kids are bombarded with social media, peer pressure, and endless quarrelsome opinions.

As parents, it’s our role to help them develop the right Three Views—so they stay optimistic, positive, and discerning.

🌟 Teach them to recognize truth, beauty, and goodness amidst the noise of the world. 

In fact, we as adults can also reflect on the Three Views to reconnect with our inner voice, finding greater fulfillment and happiness in our own lives.

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