why human values are important
Human values are important because they define what we consider valuable. They are the reason why we rush sick people to the hospital and kill chickens and pigs for food.
... or don't kill chickens and pigs for food.
I'm not suggesting that anybody kill animals, just that's a realistic example of human values whether one agrees with it or not. It would take a huge shift in human values to stop it. Some animals enjoy a higher degree of value than others, especially once they earn the title, "pet."
They are the framework we use to attempt to create civil society.