I've heard a saying that goes something like, "The problem with Western man is that he cannot entertain himself in an empty room." I think that's a good thing. We are materialistic, industrious, impatient and ambitious, and I see nothing wrong with that.
I've heard a saying that goes something like, "The problem with Western man is that he cannot entertain himself in an empty room." I think that's a good thing. We are materialistic, industrious, impatient and ambitious, and I see nothing wrong with that.fidosim
Western society values the individual over the collective, whereas in many Eastern societies it's vice versa. This can contribute to the sort of "me first" type of thinking that American suffers from, but also pushes people to innovate.
I think the title would be better worded as: "Do westerners tend to be more selfish and greedy?"
And I would answer yes. There are selfish and greedy people all over the world... but people tend to appreciate what they have more, with the less they have. And almost half the world's population (2.5 billion in China and India) lives in pretty impoverished societies (many people in India still live like they did 2500 years ago; and this obviously doesn't include all the other poor countries).
I think it is easier to discount the personal achievements and actions than it is to just clump them all up based on the loudest voice you heard. No. We are not all selfish and greedy. You can take someone from each continent and find someone of the same value, moral, and conviction in another. Might be a break-down in communication, but the actions can relate, be it good or bad.
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