The Eastern

VS.

The Western

A suggested list of attitudes and value differences between the East and the West.

We live in time We're always at rest We're passive We like to contemplate We accept the world as it is

You live in space You're always on the move You're aggressive You like to act You try to change it according to your blueprint

We live in peace with nature Religion is our first love We delight to think about the meaning of life We believe in freedom of silence We lapse into meditation

You try to impose your will on her Science is your passion You delight in physics You believe in freedom of speech You strive for articulation

We marry first, then we love Our marriage is the beginning of a love affair It is an indissoluble bond Our love is mute We try to conceal it from the world Self-abnegation is the secret of our survival We're taught from the cradle to want less and less The love of life is our ideal We glorify austerity and renunciation Poverty is to us a badge of spiritual elevation In the sunset year of life, we renounce the world and prepare ourselves for the hereafter

You love first, then you marry Your marriage is the happy end of a romance It is the contract Your love is vocal You delight in showing it to others Self-assertiveness is the key of your success You are urged every day to want more and more Conquest is your goal You emphasize gracious living and enjoyment It is to you a sign of degradation You retire to enjoy the fruits of your labor

More Reflections From...

• Peru
• Korea
• Seoul, Korea
• Mainland China
• Taiwan
• Vietnam
• Switzerland
• United States of America

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ESL Ministry

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church

1801 Lacassie Avenue  Walnut Creek  California 94596   925-935-1574

Joanne Rae Meads  jrmeads@worldnet.att.net

Updated September 16, 1999