Cultural differences between easterners and westerners

(AZpress) The cultural differences between Eastern and Western societies are vast and encompass a broad range of aspects including philosophy, social values, behavior, educational practices, perceptions of time and space, among others. Here are some of the most notable differences:
 
Perception of self and society
Easterners: Often, Eastern cultures, especially in East Asia such as China, Japan, and Korea, lean towards a collectivist sense of self, where personal identity is closely tied to family, group, or community. The well-being of the group is often more important than that of the individual. Harmony, respect for hierarchy, and loyalty are fundamental values.
 
Westerners: Western cultures, like those in the United States, Europe, and Australia, tend to promote individualism. Here, the self is seen as more separate and independent from others, with a greater emphasis on personal autonomy, individual rights, and self-expression.
 
Communication
Easterners: Communication can be more indirect, valuing harmony and avoiding direct confrontations. Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role, and the social context of the conversation is very important. Active listening and interpreting non-verbal cues are commonly practiced.
 
Westerners: Communication tends to be more direct, valuing clarity and frankness. Verbal communication is more explicit, and greater transparency is expected in expressing thoughts and opinions.
 
Education
Easterners: In many Eastern cultures, education focuses on effort, discipline, and memorization. Academic success is seen as a duty both to oneself and to one's family. Education can also be more competitive and exam-focused.
 
Westerners: Education in the West often emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-based learning. There's more room for discussion, experimentation, and student autonomy in learning.
 
Perception of Time and Space
Easterners: The perception of time can be more cyclical, with an emphasis on continuity and tradition. Personal space is often smaller, and close physical interaction is not unusual.
 
Westerners: Time is frequently seen as linear, with a focus on the future and long-term planning. The concept of personal space is broader, and there's a greater appreciation for physical privacy.
 
Religion and Philosophy
Easterners: Philosophies like Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have profoundly shaped Eastern cultures, promoting values like humility, harmony with nature, and acceptance of circumstances.
 
Westerners: Western cultures have been influenced by Christianity, Judaism, and more recently by secularism and the Enlightenment, leading to values like reason, individual freedom, and a more dualistic approach to good versus evil.
 
Art and Aesthetics
Easterners: Eastern art often seeks harmony, balance, and simplicity. In painting, for example, what is not painted (negative space) is as important as what is painted.
 
Westerners: Western art has gone through many stages, but has often valued perspective, realism, and in modern times, innovation and breaking away from past traditions.
 
These differences are not absolute and can vary within each region, country, or even within different communities in the same country. Moreover, globalization has begun to blend and change some of these traditional differences.
 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C