We've picked up the American sense of humour from TV serials and movies and kept the very British love of cricket. But native cultures that go back thousands of years have their own special life-lessons
Kaitiakitanga, from New Zealand:
The indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maoris, have a strong tradition of nature-worship. Maoris believe that man is descended from nature gods. The kaitiaki is a Maori spiritual guardian. Kaitiakitanga is a series of practices that protect the sea, sky and land by the kaitiakis. Maoris believe that the first kaitiakis were nature-gods, but today, their descendants, human beings, are obligated to protect the natural world. The Maoris fought a legal battle for 140 years until the Whanganui river was finally given the same rights as a human being. Today, harming the Whanganui river carries the same penalty as harming a person. With hundreds of trees falling victim to road-widening in Bangalore, a little kaitiakitanga spirit is what we need. The first step to being an eco-citizen is to feel connected to nature, and yes, responsible for it.
Bushido, from Japan:
Who says all Asians are corrupt? The concept of Bushido, the unwritten Samurai code of conduct, stresses the importance of integrity. Honesty is the most visible keystone of this philosophy, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The Japanese are, consequently, among the world's most honest and hard-working people. Japanese people are motivated to hold to a high moral standard to bring honour to their family, rather than to bring shame on their people by their misdeeds. In Indian society, where honour translates loosely as 'how females should behave', we could sure use some bushido. Extend your own concept of honour to eschew and frown on bad practices like taking bribes, shirking duties at work, or being dishonest when you are not likely to be found out.
Ubuntu, from Africa:
From ancient Zulu wisdom comes the concept of 'Ubuntu', which says that the well-being of each person depends on the well-being of the whole community. An anthropologist, in an experiment, placed a basket of fruit near a tree and told a tribe of African children to race for the prize. All the children joined hands and ran together, then sat together to eat the fruits. When he asked why no one child had claimed the prize, they replied: how can one of us be happy if all the others are sad? This philosophy manifests itself in the trademark African friendliness. In many parts of Africa, it is considered rude to ignore people. Folks will greet complete strangers as they pass by, or even start conversations with them. People who are comfortably off don't forget to send money to needy second cousins, aunts or grandmothers back in the villages. Get a little of that Ubuntu spirit into your life...stop to chat with an elderly neighbour living alone or smile at a harassed shop-assistant. It all helps.
