A Culture Built on Integrity and Dedication: Lesson from America

The United States, as the most developed and powerful nation in the world, is a dream destination for many. By the grace of God, I had the privilege of visiting from August to October in 2016. During my stay, I observed several aspects of American life that offer valuable lessons.

Out of the 50 states, I visited nine, and what struck me most was the uniformity of development. No state felt less advanced than another, each was equally well-maintained, modern, and beautiful. I believe this consistency stems from deeply ingrained values of integrity, honesty, and sincerity, which are second nature to Americans, embedded in their culture and upbringing.

Reflecting on the roots of these values, it is evident that the nation’s founding leaders played a crucial role. They were men of integrity, responsibility, and a deep sense of duty - leaders who feared God and prioritized the welfare of their people over personal gain. Their commitment to building a strong foundation set a precedent for future generations, fostering a culture where honesty, faithfulness, and sincerity are upheld. Corruption and deception for personal benefit are virtually unthinkable in their society.

One of the defining qualities of Americans is their strong work ethic. They take immense pride in being a "working nation." Hard work and sincerity are instilled from an early age, and laziness is neither encouraged nor tolerated. On average, an American works about 10 hours a day, compared to our typical six-hour workday, often lacking the same level of dedication. Many office workers in our country are not punctual, leave before closing time, and require multiple reminders to complete tasks. Worse still, some work only when incentivized with a bribe. Even in social or church-related community work, many contribute as little as possible, while those who work diligently are often considered naive. In contrast, Americans take pride in their work, no matter the job.

During my stay, I observed a house under construction nearby. Out of curiousity, I went to watch. Two electricians wired an entire room in just 15 minutes, working efficiently without supervision. They respected each other as equals, regardless of their roles. In America, respect is not based on wealth or status but on mutual recognition as human beings. Moreover, they do not view government jobs as superior to private-sector work. Every profession is valued, and every worker is treated with dignity. This mindset teaches us an essential lesson: integrity, sincerity, and hard work are the pillars of a prosperous society.

A striking example of American integrity is their adherence to rules, even when no one is watching. In the U.S., children under 12 are not left home alone without a caretaker. Every family follows this rule without exception. Even when both parents work, they arrange proper childcare rather than leaving their children unattended. Similarly, traffic laws are strictly observed. Parents do not allow children below a certain age to sit in the front seat, even if they cry to do so. Americans are law-abiding citizens in every aspect of life, creating an orderly and disciplined society. Their discipline extends to cleanliness. Americans do not litter; this habit is ingrained from childhood. As a result, cities and even remote villages remain spotless. Roads and highways are pristine, with no trash discarded from vehicles. Instead, people collect waste inside their cars and dispose of it properly at home, where garbage collection services handle it. The thought of littering simply does not cross their minds. Even public restrooms are immaculately clean, maintained out of respect for the next user.

A personal experience reinforced my appreciation for their honesty. One day, while waiting at a car repair shop, I left my mobile phone in the restroom. A short while later, a police officer entered the waiting area and asked if anyone had lost a phone. I had completely forgotten about mine until I reached into my pocket and realized it was missing.

When I admitted it might be mine, the officer returned it to me. I thanked him, deeply impressed by the honesty of the person who had found and turned it in. Had this happened in our country, would I have ever gotten my phone back? Another instance of their disciplined behaviour occurred in a supermarket. At first, I didn’t notice customers standing in a queue because they left wide gaps between them. Unaware, I walked straight to the counter to pay. No one complained or shouted at me for breaking the line. Instead, the cashier gently informed me that I needed to stand behind the others. Only then did I realize a queue was being maintained. In our country, such an incident would likely provoke frustration. Even on the streets, American drivers respect pedestrians. When someone crosses the road, vehicles patiently stop and allow them to pass. This contrasts sharply with our roads, where cars honk impatiently, showing little regard for pedestrians.

In America, construction companies build houses without requiring constant supervision from homeowners. Owners trust that the builders will complete the work with the highest quality, ensuring durability. In contrast, in our country, homeowners must personally monitor construction, or workers may take shortcuts. Even with supervision, theft and mismanagement often occur. The quality of American construction is evident in the longevity of their buildings. The church I attended during my visit, built entirely of wood, has stood for 176 years and remains in excellent condition. I also visited the log cabin in Kentucky where Abraham Lincoln was raised, it is still well preserved. Their roads reflect the same commitment to excellence. Throughout my travels across nine states, I did not encounter a single damaged or cracked road. The ride was so smooth that I could place a cup of juice in the car without spilling it, even at high speeds. Highways are straight and wide, designed for efficiency, with designated rest stops at regular intervals, each equipped with clean facilities and restaurants. Vehicles are not allowed to stop anywhere except at these designated areas, ensuring traffic remains orderly. American integrity extends to business dealings as well.

I visited an apple orchard larger than Tuibuong village. The farm grew over 40 apple varieties, and every tree was laden with fruit. There was no one supervising visitors. At the entrance, bags labeled with different prices - $5, $10, and $20 were available. Visitors were free to pick apples and eat as much as they wanted inside, but they had to pay for what they took out. There were no inspections at the exit; the workers trusted customers to be honest. If this were our country, would people resist the temptation to sneak extra apples into their bags? Would workers trust customers so freely? Even their food markets reflect this commitment to quality. Fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood are all fresh and meticulously maintained to ensure public health. The markets are spotless, with no unpleasant odors. At the airport, travellers must declare that they are not carrying restricted food items, ensuring strict adherence to health and safety regulations.

There is much more to say, but the key takeaway is this: Americans are honest, hardworking, sincere, and disciplined. Their prosperity is a result of these values. They are not lazy, corrupt, or dishonest, qualities that God disapproves of. Even in our society, those who are truthful, hardworking, and sincere receive blessings in their lives. Success is not a mystery; it comes from integrity, sincerity, and dedication. Whether one is a student, a government employee, a private-sector worker, a farmer, or a businessperson, those who work hard with honesty and the fear of God are the ones who prosper. The lesson is clear: integrity and dedication always lead to success and prosperity.

(The writer is the Principal of Salt Brook School, Laizon Veng, Tuibong.)