Culture Is Your Compass—In Life and Business
One of the most powerful lessons I brought back from my recent trip to China is this: never trade your roots for modern glitter. China has evolved into a tech powerhouse, but guess what? It did so while keeping its culture intact. From language and food to values and rituals, they modernized without losing themselves. That’s wisdom.
Now compare that to Africa—and South Sudan in particular. We didn’t just abandon our traditions; we labeled them “evil” and replaced them with foreign names, systems, and stories. Even our ancestors’ local technology—tools, irrigation, herbal medicine—was discarded. Not because missionaries forced us, but because we chose to reject our own story.
So here’s a word for you, my Wealthy Affiliate family: have a personal culture. Define the values you stand on. Let them guide your life, shape your voice online, and drive your business decisions. Trends will change. Algorithms will shift. But your culture? That’s your compass.And speaking of growth, I have a small celebration to share—I’ve just upgraded to a yearly Premium Plus membership for the first time! A dream I’ve held for years has finally come true. This is my next chapter, and I hope you’ll walk with me.
Let your roots grow deep—and your business rise high.
John Monyjok Maluth
Author I Coach | Teacher
Join FREE & Launch Your Business!
Exclusive Bonus - Offer Ends at Midnight Today
00
Hours
:
00
Minutes
:
00
Seconds
2,000 AI Credits Worth $10 USD
Build a Logo + Website That Attracts Customers
400 Credits
Discover Hot Niches with AI Market Research
100 Credits
Create SEO Content That Ranks & Converts
800 Credits
Find Affiliate Offers Up to $500/Sale
10 Credits
Access a Community of 2.9M+ Members
Recent Comments
35
Exactly, JD, and that's what we have done, here in South Sudan. I should have been called Monyjok Maluth Abiel without [John] and I'd still make it to heaven, some day, I guess. Naming is culture. Every name has a meaning.
However, let's learn from each other's culture for a better world culture. How about that?
John
You could change your name legally, at least here in the USA, and add what your name should have been to your existing name. That way, you can still be called John. 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
JD
Ah, for now, it's fine.
At least I know what 'John' means now and I'm happy with it.
Dad used to call me J.F.K, and I had zero knowledge of what he meant.
As a former veteran Sudanese soldier and policeman, he knew about John F. Kennedy, and might have admired him.
I din't have a chance to ask him questions about this when I came to learn about the former U.S president. Dad passed on when I was schooling far away from home, and the South Sudanese Civil War just broke out in 2014.
John
It is good that you are happy with your name and who you are, John.
I am sorry for the loss of your father when you were away, and the troubles your country has gone through.
Hopefully, it will get better.
JD
It'll well, part of my story. He sent me goodbye with these words:
"Kennedy. Don't look back. Don't end up like me. Study. Discover yourself. Do your best."
That's encouraging. The bad news? I can't yet educate my children because I can't afford the school fee, which is not that expensive, but I don't have the money.
Yet, I'm doing my part in the national development. Writing.
John
I understand not having the money, John, though probably with easier circumstances.
But it sounds like you are doing great in following your father's last words. Keep it up!
JD
What a beautiful message. It's perfect just as it is. And yes I agree, now more then ever we need to cling to our values. Congrats on the upgrade!!
Christina
Thanks, Christina, it means a lot to me to see these comments. It means I am in a community of active readers, unlike in my country where 90% prefer to talk face-to-face or make endless phone calls. Ah, complaining? Yep!
John
And so true. We're living in 1950s in 2025 this part of the world. Chatting is uncommon and an insult for many. Why? They know their writing well. Bad.
John
Congratulations on a Premium Plus membership, John! Kyle's special that he is offering is a real deal!
Hey, Howard,
It's a real deal, and I love it. Good news? I didn't have to pay the whole $497 because I just paid the same amount for Premium in July 2025. I just paid the difference, which is about half of that, imagine.
Let's take advantage of this offer because as my intuition goes, there'll be no Premium Plus Accelerated, but:
1. Starter
2. Premium
3. Premium Plus
That's what I imagine happening.
Or just Starter + Premium, to make it easier for people to upgrade fast.
John
Hey, Acken,
Glad to hear your feedback.
Let's build something BIG.
Yes, I see myself working as I travel.
I see myself in a hotel room facing the green world, fresh breeze, slimmest laptop at the table.
John
See more comments
Join FREE & Launch Your Business!
Exclusive Bonus - Offer Ends at Midnight Today
00
Hours
:
00
Minutes
:
00
Seconds
2,000 AI Credits Worth $10 USD
Build a Logo + Website That Attracts Customers
400 Credits
Discover Hot Niches with AI Market Research
100 Credits
Create SEO Content That Ranks & Converts
800 Credits
Find Affiliate Offers Up to $500/Sale
10 Credits
Access a Community of 2.9M+ Members
Thank you for sharing such powerful reflections, John. Your insight about honoring our roots while embracing progress truly resonates. It’s inspiring to see how you’re grounding your journey in personal culture and values — that’s a foundation that no algorithm or trend can shake.
Congratulations on upgrading to the yearly Premium Plus membership! That’s a huge milestone and well deserved. I’m excited to walk alongside you on this next chapter and watch us all grow, rooted and rising.
Here’s to deep roots and soaring success! 🌱🚀
AH, again, thanks a lot, Kisha.
I hope you'll be going premium soon, so that you can enjoy the benefits of the WA system.
John
Thanks again, John! I truly appreciate your support and encouragement. Going premium is definitely on my mind — looking forward to unlocking more from the WA platform soon!
— Kisha
Okay, great!
John