Americans define themselves first by their moral beliefs
Core finding
When asked what is the most important thing about them, four-in-ten Americans (40%) say their moral beliefs and actions, according to a May 2026 Verasight survey. No other answer comes close; the parts of themselves that are unique come next, at 16%.
Smaller shares point to their desires and goals (14%), the way they experience the world (13%), or their memories (11%), and 6% say something else.
Topline distribution
Americans define themselves first by their moral beliefs.
What is the most important thing about you?
n = 474 · May 11, 2026 · MoE ±4.8%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | May 11, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 474 |
| Margin of error | ±4.8% |
| Module | identity |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
What is the most important thing about you?
Cite this question
Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=474 US adults age 18+, +/- 4.8%.