All the values we have learned to cherish in this lifetime are relative and prone to change, for through many lives we have had as a soul we have witnessed the devaluation of gold and great individuals rise from nothing. Even so, everything that we love, cherish and value is perishable, not everlasting, prone to everlasting change, for the change is the only constant parameter in the Universe (Yi-Ching).
Nevertheless, the circle of life goes on independent on our will.
In case you have read the Witcher, you'll get a better grip on the teaching. In the Witcher, the author explains it marvelously through the tales of individuals.