# Americans define themselves first by their moral beliefs

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/culture/americans-define-themselves-first-by-their-moral-beliefs/

> Indexed question in Culture.

## Reading

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

What is the most important thing about you?

Americans define themselves first by their moral beliefs.

- My moral beliefs and actions: 40.2%
- The parts of me that are unique: 16.0%
- My desires and goals: 13.5%
- The way I experience the world: 12.7%
- My memories: 11.3%
- Something else: 6.3%

## 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: 2026-05-11 → 2026-05-11
- 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

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26#q-3.2](https://reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26#q-3.2)

## Citation

Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=474 US adults age 18+, +/- 4.8%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26#q-3.2](https://reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26#q-3.2)