Core principles
Meaning
These are the fundamental beliefs, values, or rules that form the foundation for an individual, organization, or system.
Origin
The power of "core principles" comes from the simple yet potent combination of its two words. "Core," derived from the Latin cor meaning 'heart,' refers to the innermost part, the essential center—the very essence without which something cannot exist. "Principles," also from Latin principium meaning 'beginning' or 'source,' denotes a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. Together, they create a phrase that evokes an unshakable foundation, the vital heart of any system of thought or action. It’s not about just any rules, but the indispensable truths that define and drive everything else, serving as the bedrock upon which all subsequent decisions and actions are built.
Examples
- Before making any major decisions, we always revisit our core principles to ensure alignment with our mission.
- The new CEO emphasized a return to the company's core principles of integrity and customer satisfaction.