This article provides an overview of Shalom H. Schwartz's theory of basic human values. It discusses the nature of values, identifying common features and distinguishing characteristics. The theory posits ten basic personal values that are recognized across cultures and explains their origins. These values form a circular structure reflecting the motivations they express, which is culturally universal. The article outlines the psychological principles behind this structure and presents two methods for measuring basic values: the Schwartz Value Survey and the Portrait Values Questionnaire. Findings from 82 countries using these methods support the theory's validity across cultures, revealing substantial differences in value priorities but also a surprising consensus in the hierarchical order of values. The article also clarifies how values differ from other concepts like attitudes, beliefs, norms, and traits. The theory's dynamic structure of value relations is explained, and the roots of this structure are discussed, including the interests served by value attainment and the role of anxiety. Finally, the article explores the pan-cultural baseline of value priorities and their implications for understanding human behavior and attitudes.This article provides an overview of Shalom H. Schwartz's theory of basic human values. It discusses the nature of values, identifying common features and distinguishing characteristics. The theory posits ten basic personal values that are recognized across cultures and explains their origins. These values form a circular structure reflecting the motivations they express, which is culturally universal. The article outlines the psychological principles behind this structure and presents two methods for measuring basic values: the Schwartz Value Survey and the Portrait Values Questionnaire. Findings from 82 countries using these methods support the theory's validity across cultures, revealing substantial differences in value priorities but also a surprising consensus in the hierarchical order of values. The article also clarifies how values differ from other concepts like attitudes, beliefs, norms, and traits. The theory's dynamic structure of value relations is explained, and the roots of this structure are discussed, including the interests served by value attainment and the role of anxiety. Finally, the article explores the pan-cultural baseline of value priorities and their implications for understanding human behavior and attitudes.