Egoism is discouraged and selflessness is encouraged in the Jain tradition. Each and every individual is believed to be unique and worthy of equal respect. Family is more important than the individual and there is strong family unity and loyalty. Community as natural extension of family is also important and worthy of support, nourishment and preservation.

The soul is the permanent feature of the individual, not the body or its material accomplishments and successes. Religion places the highest emphasis on the soul and encourages the individual to communicate with the soul and connect with its inner beauty, purity and wisdom. It educates individuals not to place too much importance to the physical body and its outer appearance and material possessions. This can easily clutter the mind and prevent the soul from attaining liberation.