"The first postulate of Ethical Culture is the existence of a moral law as permeating as the physical laws of nature... Is this conception of god less real, less inspiring, less reasonable than the concept of an absolute creator and ruler of the universe?"
"The second postulate of ethical religion is the existence of a spiritual element in human nature which makes us capable of seeking the fulfillment of the moral law in our daily conduct. It is on the ground of this capability that we attribute worth to human beings." Ethical Values

Ethical Culture values are optimum principles of behavior based on the understanding that human beings are autonomous individuals whose wellbeing, paradoxically, depends on their connections to everyone and everything else.

• Respect for Human Worth. I am an evolving person cultivating goodness. Every person is a creative source with an inherent capacity for goodness.
• Responsibility. I am in charge of who I am and what I do. Everyone is accountable for his or her actions.
• Love. I encourage the beauty, goodness, and creative power in every person. Everyone has the right to be all he or she can be.
• Freedom. I appreciate and express my uniqueness. Everyone has the right to make his or her own choices.
• Kindness. I care for the well-being of people. Everyone has the right to safety.
• Fairness. I act as I wish ideally to be treated. Everyone has the right to an equal opportunity.
• Trust. I honor my agreements. Everyone is accountable for his or her promises.
• Truthfulness. I speak without misleading. Everyone can face reality honestly.
• Forgiving. I admit my mistakes: by expressing sorrow for causing harm, by making amends, and by learning a better way. Everyone can learn by trial and error.
• Joy. I choose to find within me delight in being alive. Everyone can experience the bliss of being in harmony with his or her ethical yearnings.