This quiz is inspired by the Schwartz theory of basic human values, a widely studied framework in psychology, but it is a lightweight self-reflection tool rather than a validated psychometric assessment. Your values naturally shift with life stage and circumstance — treat the ranking as a conversation-starter about what matters to you right now.
What are the ten basic human values?
Across dozens of countries and cultures, psychologist Shalom Schwartz found that people's values cluster into ten broad types: Self-Direction (independence and creativity), Stimulation (novelty and challenge), Hedonism (pleasure and enjoyment), Achievement (success through competence), Power (status and control), Security (safety and stability), Conformity (self-restraint and meeting expectations), Tradition (respect for custom and heritage), Benevolence (caring for close others), and Universalism (justice and concern for all people and nature). Everyone holds all ten to some degree — what differs is the priority order.
Because those priorities can conflict — the pull toward security can tug against the pull toward stimulation, for instance — this quiz uses forced choices. Each of the 30 questions asks which of two value statements is more true of you, so your answers reveal what you prioritize when you genuinely cannot have both. Each value appears in exactly six questions, paired against six different values, which keeps the ranking balanced.
Curious about a different slice of who you are? The Big Five personality test maps your broad personality traits, while the Enneagram test explores your core motivations — both use the same quick, private format.