What Do Morals Have To Do With It?

Are we becoming a morally corrupt society? Has our relentless pursuit of financial success overshadowed our desire for a values-based life?

I remember when “family values” became a buzzword in American culture—back when Dan Quayle was running for office. Curious, I looked up the term. Surprisingly, I couldn’t find a definition for “family values” as a concept. Instead, the first four entries defined “values” in terms of money. Only the fifth definition connected values to morality. Imagine how a foreigner might interpret “family values” in America: as family wealth, not principles or ethics.

When we say “values,” we often mean morals, codes of conduct, and beliefs. Yet in America, it seems our top “value” is financial wealth. So, what role do morals play in this framework?

Morals stem from a belief system that shapes our thoughts and actions. If someone believes money is the ultimate goal, their behavior will reflect that—even if it causes harm to others. On the other hand, if someone values collective growth and helping others, their actions will align with those principles. They’ll prioritize shared success over personal gain.

What message does this send to our children? Children are like sponges, absorbing everything they see. Parents, teachers, and guardians serve as their primary role models. If we want the next generation to grow up in a morally sound world, we must model the values we wish to see in them.

So, ask yourself:

• What do morals mean in your life?
• Are your behaviors aligned with the values you want to pass on?

The future depends on how we answer these questions.