15/10/2025
Value Beyond Measure: More Than Meets the Eye
We live in a world where it’s easy to label things—or people—as “useful” or “useless.” The clever student is praised, while the struggling one is often ignored. The majestic tiger is admired, while the humble mosquito is swatted without mercy. But here’s the truth: nothing in this world is truly valueless. Every creature, every person, every object has a role to play, even if we don’t always notice it. Philosophers call this idea intrinsic value—the belief that something has worth simply because it exists, not because of what it can “produce” or “achieve.”
Take insects, for example. At first glance, mosquitoes seem like nature’s pranksters—buzzing in your ear at 2 a.m. and making you question your will to live. Yet even mosquitoes are part of the ecological puzzle, serving as food for fish, birds, and bats. Bees, once feared for their sting, are now recognized as heroes of agriculture. Without their pollination, we would lose much of our fruit, vegetables, and even coffee. Yes, your morning latte owes itself to the humble bee!
People, too, carry value that often goes unseen. In a classroom, the “gobbet student” (the one who struggles with grades, forgets answers, or maybe dozes off in lectures) is often overlooked. Yet that same student might be a natural leader in sports, a creative artist, a funny storyteller, or simply a kind soul who helps others without seeking credit. History is filled with examples: Albert Einstein was labeled a poor student, Thomas Edison was called “too slow to learn,” and J.K. Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers before Harry Potter took over the world. Value doesn’t always shout—it often whispers until the right time.
But what about those who feel they have no value? Many people sink into depression thinking they are “not good enough,” comparing themselves to others who seem smarter, richer, or more successful. Here is where the concept of intrinsic value matters most: you don’t need to do anything extraordinary to have worth—you already have it by existing. The value of a person isn’t measured in exam scores, job titles, or Instagram followers. A newborn baby has value before it ever speaks. An elderly person has value even if they can no longer work. And you, even on your worst day, have value because your presence touches others in ways you may not even realize.
Think of everyday life. A friend who checks in on you when you’re sad may not be the top student, but their kindness is priceless. The quiet person in a group project may not talk much, but their late-night snack delivery keeps everyone going. The neighbor who waters your plants while you’re away may never show up in history books, but they make your small corner of the world better. These things cannot always be measured in money, marks, or medals, but they carry deep intrinsic value.
Even the things we overlook play their part. The old plastic bottle, when recycled, becomes a clothing fiber. The slow smartphone you complain about might be a treasure to someone else who cannot afford better. The crow that caws outside your window helps clean waste that might otherwise spread disease. Nature doesn’t create extras—every being fits into the symphony of life.
So the next time you’re tempted to dismiss something—or worse, dismiss yourself—as “useless,” pause. Remember the orchestra: not every instrument plays the melody, but every note matters. Even the triangle player, who strikes only once, adds to the beauty of the music. Life works the same way—sometimes your role is loud and center stage, other times it is quiet and subtle, but it is never meaningless.
In the end, everything has value beyond measure, more than meets the eye. For those struggling, feeling lost, or depressed, know this: your worth isn’t tied to achievements, grades, or applause. It’s intrinsic—you matter simply because you exist. And in a world where every insect, every tree, every stranger has a role, you are no exception.
~Zahid Hasan(MT)
