What to bring up? Sought-for national qualities, values and symbols in the era of change

Using the example of Finnish «Sisu», Japanese «Ganbare» and German «Wieder», the author justifies the importance of studying the correlation between the cultural constructs underlying the national mentality and the success demonstrated by this or that country in the economy, science, education and sport. The author believes that the cultural ideals, myths and norms (of living) shared by the majority of the population exert a very significant influence (up to decisive one) on the social and economic development of the country as a whole. It makes it necessary to consciously and systematically target the national educational system on the design, cultivation, inculcation of perseverance and patience, both socially useful and relevant in the era of uncertainty of properties and qualities.