1 . Do Americans have any morals? That's a good question. Many people insist that ideas about right and wrong are merely personal opinions. Some voices, though, are calling Americans back to traditional moral values. William J. Bennett. former U. S. Secretary of Education, edited The Book of Virtues in 1993 to do just that.    1    The success of Bennett's book shows that many Americans still believe in moral values. But what are they?

One of the most basic moral values for Americans is honesty. The well-known legend about George Washington and the cherry tree teaches this value clearly. In the story, instead of punishment, George received praise for not lying but telling the truth that he cut down his father's favorite cherry tree. Sometimes American honesty—being open and direct—can offend people.    2    

Another virtue Americans respect is perseverance. Remember Aesop's Fables (伊索寓言) about the turtle and the rabbit that had a race?    3    But the turtle finally won because he did not give up.

    4    The story of “The Good Samaritan(撒马利亚人)" from the Bible describes a man who showed compassion. On his way to a certain city, a Samaritan man. instead of just passing by. stopped to help a poor traveler lying on the road who was beaten and robbed.

In no way can this brief description cover all the moral values honored by Americans. Courage, responsibility, loyalty, gratitude and many others could be discussed. In fact, Bennett's bestseller—over 800 pages—highlights just 10 virtues. Even Bennett admits that he has only scratched the surface. But no matter how long or short the list, moral values are invaluable.    5