Core values of noble cultures Published July 7, 2008 By Lt. Col. Anna Morris 305th Contracting Squadron commander MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Every now and then, we'll read a book that has an impact on us. I recently read "A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It described an ancient and noble culture from thousands of years ago called the Toltec. They were known throughout southern Mexico as women and men of knowledge. Amidst the spiritual teachings of the Toltec, there were four tenants or agreements for success in life. As I read each agreement I began to realize that they were not dissimilar from our own ethos, the Core Values of our great Air Force culture. As I studied the philosophies of this early civilization, I couldn't help but realize just how important these simple truths, these basic values, are to a successful society of any century. It is important to periodically stop and return to the fundamental basics, as they are imperative for the success of the Air Force. The first and most important tenant of the Toltec is to be impeccable with your word. This is not unlike our own Core Value of integrity first. For our warrior culture is a double edged sword, it can build something magnificent, or without it, it can destroy everything around us. We say it's doing the right thing. However, it is also having the courage to do the right thing when no one is looking, to hold each other accountable, and to correct mistakes when you see them even when it is difficult or unpopular. Our word is our bond. The second agreement is to not take anything personally. The Toltec believed personal importance, or taking things personally, is the maximum expression of selfishness. This tenant, like the Toltec, places value on service before self. This is the basis of teamwork, a cooperative and coordinated effort toward a common cause. We must place our own interests second to that of the team in order to defeat our enemy, to bring an end to tyranny and terror, and to promote freedom and liberty throughout our global environment. The next point of the Toltec speaks to not making assumptions. The problem with assumptions is when we believe they are the truth. While our Core Values have no direct correlative to this Toltec agreement, we must be careful to not become complacent. We must continue to remain vigilant and remain in a state of readiness without making false assumptions. The last agreement is to always do your best. This of course, speaks to excellence in all we do. It is the caliber of performance at which we should operate daily, whether it is ensuring mission excellence, preserving our resources or developing our leaders. Today we stand on the shoulders of giants, and those who came before us, to sere our own mark into history as we spread democracy and freedom throughout the world. My hope for future generations is that Airmen will be remembered as people of integrity, a selfless society that valued service to others, and that excellence was the hallmark of our Air Force culture.