I think the divergence between the success of the west and the rest was again this issue of individual values versus collectivism, that the rest continued to embrace a kind of collective approach to society where they valued clan, or nation, or ethnic group above the individual. And the individual’s kind of sacrificed to the well being of the clan, or ethnic group, or nation. To where I think of the great breakthrough in the west was to place the value on the individual instead of the nation, the collective; to value the individual more than collective. And of course individuals in the west are also patriotic and feel a group pride and group loyalty; but the fundamental unit of value is the individual. That’s what I think really made the big difference in the success of the west. Recorded on: 7/6/2007
Discuss
Joanne L. on January 30, 2008, 4:31 AM
You cannot neglect to mention the legacy of the colonialism as a dividing factor, and also the fact that much of the West was 'developed' on the back of slave labour- many countries in the majority world had their natural growth stunted by colonialism and where they could have been developing and advancing their natural systems of rule, and governance- they were forced to adapt ways that were not their own, and are not being assessed on this.
Joanne L. on January 30, 2008, 9:31 AM
You cannot neglect to mention the legacy of the colonialism as a dividing factor, and also the fact that much of the West was ‘developed’ on the back of slave labour- many countries in the majority world had their natural growth stunted by colonialism and where they could have been developing and advancing their natural systems of rule, and governance- they were forced to adapt ways that were not their own, and are not being assessed on this.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or Register