Change Is Good

Work Ethic

The Protestant Work Ethic provided a clear and compelling equation to early settlers: hard work leads to a moral life, spiritual fulfillment, and God’s blessing in the form of material rewards here on earth. Benjamin Franklin encapsulated the work ethic in Poor Richard’s Almanack (1736), coining proverbs still used today, such as “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” and “Time is money.”

For many Americans work is central in defining one’s sense of identity and self-worth. Even those who can afford to step off the treadmill often don’t. To many, the sense of purpose and accomplishment are as much of a reward as the paycheck. In a country that equates worth with productivity, it is not surprising that many elderly people remain active, working as volunteers or learning new skills well into retirement.

Also, there is no guilt attached to flaunting and enjoying the “fruits of one’s labors.” Early Puritans or Benjamin Franklin might be bemused by some of today’s “blessings,” such as big screen TVs and designer sneakers, but they would be pleased to see that the work ethic is alive and well!

America was founded by a special breed of adventurous, entrepreneurial, free-thinking types who sought new frontiers to conquer. They found plentiful resources and a young society, people who thought that constant change was not only a possibility but a duty, and that progress was its reward.

The “change equals progress” equation has shaped a future-oriented culture that rewards “go getters” who “think out of the box” and “push the envelope.” With vision, energy and perseverance, anything can be accomplished. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” It is a conviction that has placed a man on the moon, and produced three times as many Nobel prize winners as the next country. It is why the introduction of a globally implemented IT system or a new brand of washing powder is automatically and enthusiastically embraced. If it’s new, it must be improved!

Unwavering optimism and faith in the future inspire not only action but a confident swagger and upbeat tone. Today is good, but tomorrow will be better. This seemingly cavalier attitude towards risk and change is very difficult for people from cultures where failure is punished with rebuke and shame. Americans see occasional failure as a necessary step in the learning process, and there is little if any long term negative impact that remains with individuals who have not succeeded in a particular venture.

Дата добавления: 2014-01-11