Eastern vs. Western Culture
The following is a list of attitude and value differences between eastern thought/culture and Western thought/culture. It has been adapted from a list provided by Rev. Tran Binh Trong, Vietnamese Apostolate, Richmond, VA.
East
- Live in time
- Value rest
- Passive
- Contemplative
- Accept what is
- Live in nature
- Want to know meaning
- Freedom of silence
- Lapse into meditation
- Marry first, then love
- Love is mute
- Focus on self-abnegation
- Learn to do with less
- Ideal - love of life
- Honor austerity
- Wealth & Poverty - results of fortune
- Cherish wisdom of years
- Retire to enjoy the gift of your family
West
- Live in space
- Value activity
- Assertive
- Diligent
- Seek change
- Live with nature
- Want to know how it works
- Freedom of speech
- Strive for articulation
- Love first, then marry
- Love is vocal
- Focus on self-assuredness
- Attempt to get some more
- Ideal - being successful
- Honor achievement
- Wealth/Poverty - results of enterprise
- Cherish vitality of youth
- Retire to enjoy the rewards of your work