Core American values

[Savago]

Dear Friends

Sometimes people ask why I love this country, being born abroad and having English as my second language.

For them, I always point this link: https://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell/bsad560/USValues.html

If asked to pick 3 core values, which ones would you consider most important?

I'm pasting here the content:
10 Core American Values

individualism
- belief that each person is unique, special and a “basic unit of nature”
- emphasis on individual initiative
- stress need for independence
- premium on individual expression
- value privacy

equality
- open society that ideally treats everyone equally
- little hierarchy
- informal
- directness in relations with others

materialism
- a “right” to be well off and physically comfortable
- judge people by their possessions

science and technology
- values scientific approaches
- primary source of good
- major factor in change

progress and change
- belief in changing self and country
- “Manifest Destiny”
- optimism -- nothing is impossible
- work and leisure
- strong work ethic
- work is the basis of recognition, power.
- idleness seen as a threat to society
- leisure is a reward for hard work  

competition
- aggressive and competitive nature encouraged
- Be First (#1) mentality  

mobility
- a people on the move
- vertical (social / economic) as well as physical mobility  

volunteerism
- belief in helping others (related to equality concept)
- philanthropy admired
- a personal choice not a communal expectation
- involves associations / denominations rather than kin-groups  

action and achievement oriented
- emphasis on getting things done
- priority on planning and setting goals
- tendency to be brief and business like,
- practical
- measure results
- focus on function and pragmatism

[The emperor has no clothes]

First of all, let me welcome you to our country.
#1 Equality
#2 Progress and Change
#3 Individualism

It is an interesting question you pose. I don't know if I've ever thought of it that way before. I think being born here we take many of our rights and privileges for granted. Thanks for making me think about it. 

[BF]

First of all, let me welcome you to our country.
#1 Equality
#2 Progress and Change
#3 Individualism

It is an interesting question you pose. I don't know if I've ever thought of it that way before. I think being born here we take many of our rights and privileges for granted. Thanks for making me think about it. 

What he said.   

[Jersey mike]

1. Individualism

2. Everything else tie for 2nd with the exception of materialism which is pulling up the rear. I don't think that horse even gets out of the gate to be honest.

[The emperor has no clothes]

1. Individualism

2. Everything else tie for 2nd with the exception of materialism which is pulling up the rear. I don't think that horse even gets out of the gate to be honest.

I agree, but you've got to admit we are a highly materialistic society. I am guilty myself.

[3fan4life]

Once you read the list it is hard to pick just a few.

They are all worthwhile:

#1 Equality

#2 Individualism

#3 Mobility

[Jersey mike]

1. Individualism

2. Everything else tie for 2nd with the exception of materialism which is pulling up the rear. I don't think that horse even gets out of the gate to be honest.

I agree, but you've got to admit we are a highly materialistic society. I am guilty myself.

As a society we are, I agree 100%.

I admit I wish I could have had a more wealthy life to be able to enjoy buying anything and everything I could ever want for the family, but I rarely ever begrudge anyone for the things they have themselves. We are all blessed differently.

My wealth is in my family. I have a great wife and 3 outstanding children, 2 of which went back to back as Valedictorian's in high school in classes of over 400 students.

[The emperor has no clothes]

1. Individualism

2. Everything else tie for 2nd with the exception of materialism which is pulling up the rear. I don't think that horse even gets out of the gate to be honest.

I agree, but you've got to admit we are a highly materialistic society. I am guilty myself.

As a society we are, I agree 100%.

I admit I wish I could have had a more wealthy life to be able to enjoy buying anything and everything I could ever want for the family, but I rarely ever begrudge anyone for the things they have themselves. We are all blessed differently.

My wealth is in my family. I have a great wife and 3 outstanding children, 2 of which went back to back as Valedictorian's in high school in classes of over 400 students.

yes you are. I remember your posts of your kids. It has taken me many years to realize my family is my greatest asset. When I was younger, it was all about having fun. Now it's still about having fun, but most of my best fun is with my grandkids. I've finally come to the realization that I'm not ever going to be rich. But I have much to be thankful for. 

[hubcapsc]

I didn't see Liberty or Independence on there...

-Mike "Delaware was on Jefferson Davis' list of Southern states"

[The emperor has no clothes]

I didn't see Liberty or Independence on there...

-Mike "Delaware was on Jefferson Davis' list of Southern states"

I kind of took the characteristics of Individualism as encompassing Liberty and Independence.

[Moonshot_1]

Individualism, I can take that as a core value. Be yourself

Action and Achievement, that is another one. Be active

Volunteerism, another good one. To serve others.

I saw that Faith was absent in the options. Curious about the omission.