This picture of gaping chasms in a Japanese road illustrate the power of the March 11, 2011 earthquake.

Repair work began on March 17 and six days later the cratered section of the Great Kanto Highway in Naka was restored and re-opened to traffic. The astonishing speed of reconstruction highlights Japan’s ability to get back on its feet.

This says a great deal about the spirit of the Japanese people, as do the following:

1. THE CALM = Not a single visual in the news media of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY = Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY = The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE = People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER = No looting in shops, no honking and no overtaking on the roads — just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE = Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water onto the nuclear reactors. They can never be compensated for this sacrifice.

7. THE TENDERNESS = Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak .

8. THE TRAINING = Everyone knew exactly what to do, the young and old alike. And they did it.

9. THE MEDIA = They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE = When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly

What would have happened in your community?