What is lacking is not an objective sense of values. Values, like everything else, are subjective and all that is required is general agreement by the megtally competent on the set of values any given society, culture or community will adhere to.

What we are lacking here in the decadent - sorry, developed -world is the discipline needed to enforce those values. The bunch of dim-witted, selfish, criminal-minded layabouts usually referred to as 'the people' or 'the general public' need constant reminders, and a regular kick up the arse, if they are to do anything or obey any rules. They don't think -quite generally they have little or nothing to think with.

What is needed if a clear understanding, instilled in childhood and in school (preferably with a cane) that you will do this and you will behave in such-and-such a way or there will be painful and unpleasant consequences! Nobody much younger than me has a grasp of this. The other day, while shopping, I had to be quite firm in reminding some young oik that one addresses a customer as 'sir' not 'mate' and that if he was going to speak to my (adult) daughter he'd better damn well take his hat off while doing so!

No standards, no discipline -that's the root of the problem!