Culture and Tradition

Our values and beliefs are often rooted in our culture and tradition, including from our environment and education. It no doubt evolves, to enable us to be the person we want to be, and sometimes whom we never expect to become. I believe that you should never underestimate the importance of culture or tradition, since it is rooted in our history of human existence. Over generations, we are often instilled with the beliefs and values that we portray to the world. Over the years as our growth and development enhance, our values and beliefs will too. Traditional values and customs may seem silly to most, although their significance has deep meaning to many cultures. The importance of family is integral and vital in defining strength within a family system. Family values and beliefs are much stronger when maintained and sustained over generations.

“A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” - Mahatma Gandhi 

"With the right people, culture, and values, you can accomplish great things." - Tricia Griffith

"A mind cannot be independent of culture." - Lev Vygotsky

"If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place." - Margaret Mead

Our modern era tends to favor independent lifestyles and the growth and development of individuals. Strong ethnic cultures create the foundation and sustain the growth of independence of a family, thereby ensuring the success of the individual.  Especially when it comes to education and business success. Education is a way and means for people to propel themselves out of the constraints of poverty. Often ethnic and cultural communities will make huge sacrifices to enable their children to obtain an education. In some instances taking high-risk loans to send their children abroad to study. Work ethics are also noticeably different from most Western cultures. It is evident among strong ethnic cultures where early on children are conditioned to work and study hard, and it sets them apart from their peers. Children who are brought up in traditional households tend to outperform their peers academically.  This to me indicates the importance of culture and tradition on individual success.

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey

"Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit." -Jawaharlal Nehru

"When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it." - Yo-Yo Ma

"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future." - Albert Camus

In a world consumed by social media and social influences, families must focus on encouraging their children to work towards and achieve realistic attainable goals. Independent Western culture has its benefits, although lacking values and beliefs can steer individuals on the wrong path in life. I am an independent spirited individual,  and I still respect and adhere to most traditional values and beliefs that best suit my life. Everyone does not need to live a monk life or be constrained by culture and tradition. Maintaining a foundational understanding and respect taught by culture and tradition will no doubt enable you to become a better person. Values and beliefs that are bounded by culture and tradition are transferred across generations. I must admit that I do not adhere to certain aspects of my own culture, including some outdated traditions.  Family values, work ethics, educational pursuits, and a strong business sense are some that propel my vision for what I always want in life. I try my best and do my best when it is in line with the values and beliefs I hold dear. Sometimes creating your own unique culture for you and your loved ones can evolve into a tradition that is passed on for generations to come. I believe that culture and tradition are sustainable in today's world. It is important that you never forget your roots.

“Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” - Cesar Chavez 

"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him." - John F. Kennedy

"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around." - Henry David Thoreau

"I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values - and follow my own moral compass - then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own." - Michelle Obama