A Modern Values Lexicon

A brief description of each of the 15 values in the Welch-Bristol Values Inventory, the conceptual framework of The Values Bridge.

The Values Bridge is grounded in nearly a century of research into values—the motivations and beliefs that guide our actions. It draws from key insights across psychology, sociology, human behavior, and decision-making.

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  • Scope

    Scope reflects your authentic answer to the question, “How big a life do I want?” For core Scope people, the horizon is wide, with a thirst for excitement, learning, and the new. Those with lower Scope may not object to any of the above, they just prefer them woven into lives more centered on stability, structure, and calm.

  • Radius

    Radius reflects your authentic answer to the question, “How much do I want to change the world?” Core Radius people aspire to be part of transformation on a systemic scale. Those with lower Radius may also desire wide-ranging change, but hold less of a personal commitment to making it happen.

  • Familycentrism

    Familycentrism reflects your authentic answer to the question, “How much do I want my immediate family to shape my life’s direction?” This value is not a measure of love or loyalty. Rather, it measures the priority level you’d ideally like to place on family considerations when deciding how you spend your time and energy.

  • Non Sibi

    Non Sibi, Latin for “not for oneself,” reflects your answer to the question: “How much do I want—and need—to help others to feel authentic and fulfilled?” Unlike Radius, which focuses on systemic change, Non Sibi is deeply personal—it measures your desire to improve lives through direct, individual impact rather than large-scale transformation.

  • Luminance

    Luminance reflects how much you desire fame— public recognition, visibility, and renown. Those with core Luminance dream of widespread celebrity; they are drawn to the spotlight and the attention that comes with it. Those with lower Luminance may seek success and impact, but prefer lives outside the public eye.

  • Agency

    Agency reflects how much you want and need to control your life’s direction, decisions, and details. Those with core Agency have a deep desire to steer their own course, craving autonomy even when it’s not within their reach. Those with lower Agency have more comfort with collaboration, delegation, and allowing others to take the lead.

  • Workcentrism

    Workcentrism reflects how much you want work to be the organizing principle of your life—by choice. For some, work is a source of identity, purpose, and fulfillment, shaping not just days but sense of self. For others, it’s simply a means to an end. And for many, the deeply-felt importance of work’s centrality falls somewhere in between.

  • Eudemonia

    Eudemonia reflects how much you aspire to organize your life around pleasure, be it adventure or simple daily joys. Core Eudemonia people don’t want to postpone happiness, they believe life is meant to be enjoyed in the present. Those with lower Eudemonia, depending on the degree, prefer to shape their lives around other priorities.

  • Achievement

    Achievement reflects your drive for success—to excel, accomplish goals, and demonstrate expertise. Those who highly value Achievement embrace competition and find fulfillment in the pursuit of excellence in whatever they take on. Those with lower Achievement seek a life more free from external validation.

  • Affluence

    Affluence reflects how much wealth you want in your life—and how much you’re willing to prioritize its pursuit. For those with Affluence as a top value, financial success is a driving force, shaping decisions about work and lifestyle. For those with lower Affluence, wealth may be valued, but other priorities take enough precedence to merit tradeoffs.

  • Voice

    Voice reflects your desire to express your authentic self—mind, body, and soul. Those with core Voice yearn for creative expression in all they do, seeking to share their individuality without constraint. Those with lower Voice prefer a more private or understated approach, seeking lives where personal identity is less visibly on display.

  • Beholderism

    Beholderism reflects how much importance you place on aesthetics—how things look, feel, and present themselves—including places, spaces, objects, and people, yourself included. Those with core Beholderism find joy and satisfaction in visual appeal. Those with lower Beholderism may too, but with far less attention or emotional connection.

  • Belonging

    Belonging reflects how deeply you value friendship, community, or both. Those with high Belonging feel most alive when embedded in a genuinely connected group—whether at work, at play, or in daily life. Those with lower Belonging may certainly enjoy social bonds, but feel more authentic navigating life on their own terms.

  • Place

    Place reflects your answer to the question, “Is there a specific location—or type of place—I truly want and need to live?” Core Place people feel deeply connected to a certain home, city, or environment and are driven to get and stay there. Those with lower Place feel they could live anywhere or simply prioritize other factors over location.

  • Cosmos

    Cosmos reflects how much you desire to derive guidance and meaning in your life from a spiritual higher power. Those with high Cosmos seek a life deeply interwoven with their faith, allowing it to shape their decisions and worldview. Those with lower Cosmos prefer less—or no—religious influence in how they live, think, or act.