Europeans, Americans and Asians – Cultural Differences and Racism Exposed
This article focuses on the following 3 cultural groups: Europeans, North Americans and Asians. In particular it focuses on their general characteristics based on my observations and engagements with each culture. I have lived in 15 different places over the last 40 years and have a multitude of experiences with each culture – some bad, some good and some neutral. I will list the positive and negative tendencies of each of the chosen cultural groups.
For the Europeans I refer to Central and Northern Europeans. For North Americans I refer to Americans and Canadians. And lastly, for Asians I refer to the Chinese and Indians (from India).
I am writing things as I have experienced them and the reader should make the most out of it. Some things will be hurtful but nonetheless the truth. And truth is what we should all be after, right?
What are the categories I will be discussing?
- a) Attitude towards Other Cultures
- b) Attitude towards Nature
- c) Attitude towards Money
- d) Attitude towards Work
- e) Attitude towards Sharing and Helping Others
- f) Attitude towards Higher Values and Morals
- g) Fears and Pleasures
- h) General Character Traits and Outlook on Life and the World
The European Culture
Overview:
As a cultural group, the Europeans have been around for at least 2,000-3,000 years. That length of time has led to a high level of cultural sophistication. To have a culture (or to be cultured) means to have refined your behaviour, ideas, morals and social etiquette numerous times over a certain length of time. This refinement process is analogous to a stone being eroded by natural forces until it becomes more and more rounded and reaches a more ‘mature’ state. Europeans are also the most influenced group when it comes Christianity. The bibles’ teachings have had a huge influence on their thinking, attitudes and character development.
- a) Attitudes towards Other Cultures
The European has a lot of contact with other cultures due to work related immigration, tourism and, more recently, a large amount of refugees. Europeans will base their attitude towards other cultures based on direct contact and the media. Europeans look at others and make a judgement if the other group is good or bad, right or wrong, crazy or sane, weird or logical. They will have established a firm character pattern for each cultural group based on what they know about them. This makes them probably the most solid character judges of all people on the earth today. Nonetheless, the European still believes in not getting involved in other cultures affairs and thinks that each culture and race should be able to do whatever they want in their own home country or region.
- b) Attitude towards Nature
The European sees nature as precious and worth protecting which is in part a character trait and in part due to less nature being available since population density is generally high. The general attitude is that nature should be left in its original form (tall grass, bushes and trees growing as nature intended). There is less tendency to replace nature with park-like landscapes where the grass is mowed to perfection (as you see it in North America, for example).
- c) Attitude towards Money
Europeans see money as a means to an end and not as an end in itself. They work to live instead of living to work. The quest to accumulate money (and other riches such as real estate, cars, etc.) is much less evident in Europe than it is in Asia or America. In fact, many Europeans frown at people that show off with their money. Greed is something to be fought against rather than encouraged. Europeans are also very open when it comes to discussing how much money they make. It is definitely not a ‘Tabu’ subject as with many other cultures.
- d) Attitude towards Work
A less know fact about Europeans is that they actually do not like to work as much as other cultures think. Having a multitude of very successful companies such as Volkswagen, Volvo, Daimler-Benz, BASF, Lego, Bosch, Saint-Gobain, etc. does not mean that these people live to go to work. Rather it means that the love for order and efficient work leads to success in business. Europeans want to and really do go home earlier, spend less time at work and have much more paid vacation time than the other cultures we will be discussing later.
- e) Attitude towards Sharing and Helping Others
Europeans are generally very social and will do things for the common good even if it means sacrificing their own money or belongings. The laws in most European countries are meant to protect the weak rather than the strong who do not need any monetary help. I believe that Europeans are humble enough to realise that is could hit them hard one day and, therefore, happily pay higher taxes to support a solid welfare system. So when it is their turn one day to fall, they can rest assured that the government has their back and will not let them rot in the streets.
- f) Attitude towards Higher Values and Morals
Of course, morality and higher values have been on the decline worldwide and will continue to do so. But Europeans have kept the highest standard when compared to Asians and North Americans. Morality is a well understood concept and idea in Europe. Children get taught ethics in school as a subject like math or science. So does religion such as Christianity and nowadays even Islam. Hence, the European places importance on values beyond working, eating, sleeping and procreating (the basic animalistic drive). Higher Value societies also show a different set of laws and rules than the more animalistic cultures that tend to worship the basics. You tend to encounter rules that further peace and quiet rather than a “do-whatever-you-want” approach. Again, to have a higher standard of morals will lead to a desire to protect the weak rather than letting the strong take over completely (which is what we see in the animal kingdom).
- g) Fears and Pleasures
The European usually fears that their privacy and way-of-live is in danger. This is seen when larger groups (refugees, immigrants, etc.) of a particular nationality sweep into other European countries and start living by their ex-country’s rules and standards. The European feels that what they have build up and shaped over hundreds of years might fall victim to non-ideal change. There is also a fear in most European countries of possible chaos ensuing if you do not create exact rules and tightly enforce them.
Their pleasure is to have an orderly system of living with plenty of routine build in. And cosiness is a key concept in Europe – be it in once house or with friends at the local pub/bar/restaurant. Times for coffee and cake, times for tea, times for walk, times for hobbies, times for work, etc. Europeans value their free-time over anything else. Work is completed efficiently and fast in order for their free-time to start already. You see this in school hours where elementary school and high school finishes no later than 12:40pm (whereas in North America you have schools finish at 3:30 or even 4pm). Other pleasures include travelling and a well-thought-out sense of right and wrong.
- h) General Character Traits and Outlook on Life and the World
The European is a right-and-wrong type of person that will work as much as is needed but seldom more than required to maintain themselves and their family with an adequate standard of living. Getting rich and powerful is a less common character trait for them. It is hard to “bribe” a European with money since he values other things more. They value their privacy and are not afraid of telling people what they really think. With a European you generally know what they are all about and if they agree or disagree with you. Europeans know quite a bit about other countries and cultures and usually speak or partly understand at least 2 languages (their own and English). They are well aware of what they can do and have accomplished. Combine that with a love for the truth and being outspoken, they can seem to be condescending to other cultures. They value a life where they are taken care-of when things don’t go so well and that’s where high taxes and a great welfare system come into play.
The North American Culture
Overview:
As a cultural group, Americans and Canadians have been around for about 300 years. With the exception of Native and African Americans, all other North Americans are really Europeans that for some reason did not see a future in Europe and, therefore, emigrated to NA . The cultural level is very low in NA due to the short time to refine living and thinking standards but also due to European immigrants often being happy to leave their previous culture behind them and having more freedom. Currently NA is in an ‘unmature’ state with no realistic chances of a change. Americans and Canadians were influenced by Christianity up to about the 1940s and 50s but have discarded most of that influence since then. An example for that would be the type of Christmas songs you see in NA – very few biblical songs but a whole lot of secular ones instead (Jingle Bells, Dreaming of a White Christmas, etc.) The bibles’ teachings have had a huge influence on their thinking, attitudes and character development at one point but mainstream America and Canada have succumb to the all-powerful consumerism life-style a long time ago.
- a) Attitudes towards Other Cultures
The North American knows other cultures from TV, the internet or from tourists that come into their the US or Canada. Generally NAs are not well travelled throughout the world. That fact hurts them when dealing with other cultures they come into contact with. NAs are consumed by their own self to a point where they cannot really make accurate judgements anymore. But, nonetheless, they seem very accepting of others and are kind in word and deed when meeting new people. That tendency makes them appear as some of the most friendly people on the globe. However, that seemingly friendly and accepting nature is eclipsed by their tendency to forget about you very quickly and not really meaning what they say. A good example is well-know greeting: “How are you?” Seems very caring but does by no means mean that the person saying it wants to know how you are doing. Americans in particular are very concerned about other cultures when it might have a negative impact on their lives (monetary impact) and ,so, will get involved in matters that should not concern them – by force if necessary. Examples are all wars they fought over oil, bananas and political world views.
- b) Attitude towards Nature
The North American says that he values nature and overall he does have a lot of semi-wilderness still. But overall, the US and Canada will bulldoze down a forest/field/swamp without hesitancy if a new pipeline (for example) promises more money. The general attitude is that nature should never take priority over mans’ achievements and progress. They do like their parks and like manicured lawns – an old character trait that stems from the British who thought that long grass in front of a person’s house looks “poor”. It is, again, an attitude that has to do with wanting to appear wealthy (because wealth is good and poverty is bad). Overall NAs enjoy nature where it suits them but are not true nature lovers/protectors – an example of this can be seen in California where you can drive your car/pick-up truck on sandy beaches at the ocean (just crush all those little animals living there – what a great idea!)
- c) Attitude towards Money
NAns see money and power as an end in itself – they strive for it like nothing else. They truly live to work. The quest to accumulate money (and other riches such as real estate, cars, etc.) is very evident in America. In fact, nobody gives it a second thought when people show off their big houses and cars – it seems nobody sees being a ‘show-off’ as something bad. Instead, greed is being encouraged by the North American system where people are told to get ‘ahead in life’ and to ‘do well for yourself’. NAs are, however, not open when it comes to discussing how much money they make. It is all a big secret and I do not want to let my competition (friends, neighbours, etc.) know how my monetary situation really is. The love of wealth comes from a fear of being poor and a ‘nobody’. It shows how far NA’s really are from higher virtues.
- d) Attitude towards Work
Due to their fear of being poor, Americans and Canadians like to work a lot. There are no regulated work hours and 40, 50, 60 hours per week are not unheard of. If there is money to be made, NAs will take the opportunity and go to work. This does not mean, however, that they are doing a whole lot of quality work in NA. All it means is that they work relatively long hours with a low to medium quality output. An example are cashiers in NA that work at 3 times lower speed than in Europe (hence long line-ups and a slow process of getting things done). Americas work enthusiasm has led to large companies being formed in the US such as Apple, Walmart, Microsoft, Ford, and many others. Company-wise Canada has nothing to speak of with ‘McCain’ probably being the only world-wide recognised brand. Overall, work-ethic is poor in NA and compensated by longer hours worked.
- e) Attitude towards Sharing and Helping Others
While friendly on the outside, NAs are not fond of sharing and taking care of their countries’ needy people. “Everyone for themselves” is the common attitude – if you cannot make it on your own, don’t expect anyone else to help you (an old ‘rough-and-tough’ wild-west attitude). The laws in NA are meant to help those who are already doing well by not taking enough money from them and helping those in need. With the decline of moral values in North America, the people there have forgotten (or probably never even thought of it) that tomorrow it could hit them and they will need help – and what then? Nobody has your back in NA and it shows itself in self-absorbed greediness where everyone wants to protect the only person that matters – themselves. An example would be the common sight of 3 cars in the drive-way with a pleasure boat and 2 ATVs for extra fun – and all that while others in the your country cannot afford to go to the hospital. What a great society!
- f) Attitude towards Higher Values and Morals
A lot of Americans will claim to have morals and higher values and a belief in God (Canadians are generally not so big on morality when associated with Christianity) . But sadly, the claimed morality and sense of good and evil is not evident in the life of NAs. Any place that values higher values more than money will show that through their laws. NA has no such laws and things are run on basic level where whatever works for the enhancement of oneself is good. Morality and Ethics are a relic of the past in NA. It is not taught in school and public schools will definitely not touch the such topics as greed (money-hunger) and that a show-off mentality is evil, etc. Hence, the North American places importance on working, eating, sleeping and procreating (the basic animalistic drive). Critical thinking is practically non-existent – and even the people that claim to have high morals (usually Christians) will still succumb to a life with 3 cars and cabin on the lake without realising that they are part of the consumer culture that values wealth and ease over anything else. A good example of the lack of higher values is the fact that North America will allow work and noise (lawnmowers, construction, etc.) even on Sundays.
- g) Fears and Pleasures
The fear of becoming poor and being a nobody is probably the most common fear evident in NA. This fear drives the NA people and makes them what they are today – opportunistic beasts hunting for a monetarily secure future (for themselves). Other fears include being honest and transparent to others. Nobody wants others to see their weaknesses. An example would be the answer you get when you ask a North American how they are “really” doing: “Oh, I’m doing great”, they would say. Well, nobody is doing great all the time and most likely it is a lie – and that is where honesty and transparency would do the NA society a lot of good. Next is the fear of losing which is evident when you look at the huge energy input into wars (and the large army the Americans maintain). Americans (and Canadians to a lesser extend) fear being losers. Related to loosing is the fear of being told that you are no good or “know nothing about the world”. North Americans love to keep their own ego bolstered and fear being told what’s right and wrong.
Their drive for pleasure is unrivalled in the world. They do everything for their fun and enjoyment – even if it costs a lot of money and comes at the expense of others. This is seen in their expensive toys such as huge cars, dirt-bikes, ATVs, speed boats, etc. They are and outgoing culture show little interest in cosiness at home. Their pleasures comes from going to restaurants and generally having public fun and entertainment like sporting events and shopping (in malls, etc.). Eating is a huge pleasure for them – no other country in the world has such huge, sugar-rich, overall unhealthy meals as the USA. The American (more so than the Canadian) likes to eat a lot. Another overlooked pleasure is working for the average North American. I have seen retired and working adults alike labouring away for hours on weekends (and Sundays) in the garage, shop, garden, house, where they build things, change things, improve things, paint things, and so on. They cannot sit still and “listen to the birds” – they find pleasure in keeping busy and working away if it accomplishes very little or sometimes nothing. Lastly, a well-know pleasure is owning and shooting guns – all kinds of them: Revolvers, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, etc. With “gun-fun” comes hunting and many Americans and Canadians in general have little respect (or any sort of feeling) for animals and like to hunt and kill them for pleasure.
- h) General Character Traits and Outlook on Life and the World
The North American is not a right-and-wrong (good-and-evil) type of person but rather a live-it-up type. They strive to get rich and powerful at the expense of others in their own countries and others in the world in general. Their consumerism and want for things to show-off with is most likely unrivalled in the world. Cosiness is not a need for them. One example of that is the way they can live in Jeans (even when at home sitting on the couch) and feel quite comfortable. And they often rather meet their friends in a cafe or restaurant than in their own house. Americans and Canadians have a hard time to tell you what they really think and openly talk about money – there is a lot of hiding your feelings and being secretive about a lot of things. Transparency is generally not appreciated. It seems they don’t want others to be able to make an accurate judgement about them. North Americans usually just speak English with the exception on recent immigrants (from Mexico, etc.), of course, or the Quebecois. They are a people that care most about themselves and over-estimate their value and worth in the world because they have little to do with anybody beyond their borders. When it comes to protecting and caring for the less fortunate in their countries, North Americans are generally openly opposed to it – “everybody should to take care of themselves”, is the normal response when you confront them with the dismal state of the welfare system in the USA and Canada.
The Asian Culture (Chinese, Hindus and Sikhs)
Overview:
Indian and Chinese cultures are fairly old – 3,000-8,000 years is the common assumption with the Chinese culture being older than the Indians. The cultural level is high and firmly established with non-Christian beliefs having shaped their culture and way of doing things. Both , the Indian and Chinese people are firmly entrenched in their views and thought patterns with respect to other nations around the globe. You also notice a strong “I do not care about the way other people do things” attitude with Indians and Chinese – as long as they get their way everything is quite alright. Chinese are quite hard to read (in regards to their body language and facial expressions) where as Indians are a little more transparent in that regard. Both cultures stick to their own people and only very rarely do you see them mixing socially with each other or other races.
- a) Attitudes towards Other Cultures
The Chinese and Indians know other cultures from TV and the media but many Chinese also travel a little more often to other countries as tourists and have some knowledge about other people. Both cultures exhibit a strong indifference to other cultures. There is no real like or dislike of other races but they are not interested in mingling with them and stick to their own people and ways of doing things most of the time. Interracial marriage is rare for both the Chinese and the Indians. Both cultures do not get involved in other nations issues with the exception of the Chinese exerting economic pressure on other countries when it suit/benefits them economically. The Indians are the more welcoming of the 2 races when you meet face to face and want to engage in conversation. The Chinese are very stand-offish and it would be quite impossible to get into a heart-felt conversation especially because the (mainland) Chinese are notorious for speaking only Chinese. Indians do have a better understanding of at least one other language (usually English) and that makes them more approachable for others that speak English (or know a little) . Both cultures do not want other cultures to get to close to them (physically as well as psychologically).
- b) Attitude towards Nature
The Asian does not care a much about nature when it comes to leaving it alone and/or preserving it. It is all about profit for them and if nature stands in the way, it will be removed without remorse. Chinese do enjoy park settings (manicured lawns, etc.) more than natural beauty. Indians can hardly be seen in any natural setting or activity such as hiking in the mountains, etc. An example would be the general Chinese (outspoken) attitude that nature is there for their use (be it the earth, animals or plants) and that they have every right to exploit it as they see fit. Both cultures would urbanise all the world given the chance without a second thought. Their immense drive for success (monetarily) pushes everything else aside.
- c) Attitude towards Money
Of all the people in the world, the Chinese and Indian people worship money and all that it brings them.. They truly live to work. If it were up to them they would go at it 16 hours a day, 7 days in a row. The quest to accumulate money, buy expensive things and then show them off is paramount in their minds. The Chinese say: “Try to get rich or die trying”. An example would be the fact that most large houses (mansions, really) owned by the Chinese in North America have perfect exteriors and 4 expensive cars (BMW, Bentley, Mercedes, Land-Rover) parked in front. Add to that the fact that many rooms on the inside are left empty without furniture or carpet to save money on non-essential spaces because other people will only see the exterior and be envious of the wealth/success they see. Neither the Chinese nor Indian cultures have a conscience that says that greed and self-centerdness is bad (evil). The Chinese will wait 30 min in front of gas stations if there is a chance they can save 4 cents per litre (a whopping $3.50 for a large car). Indians will do fast, low quality work for just a hair less profit (than others) to grab all the business in a certain sector of the economy and monopolise it). Money is king with both these cultures and they will cheat, lie and go over your dead body to achieve it.
- d) Attitude towards Work
Chinese and Indians are not shy when it comes to working. They have no problem with working 16 hours a day – everyday. They do this at the expense of spending time with their family (wife, husband, children, pets, etc.). Working gives them money and money gives them power and goods to show off with. So, there can never be enough opportunity and work for them. They work fast and hard – so it cannot be said that they work inefficiently. However, the quality they produce is lacking. Chinese and Indian products are well known to have low quality and short longevity. A sign that the work done to produce them was loveless and hurried (and they are generally not ashamed of their low quality goods). The term “quality time” is strange to these cultures and work – and the associated benefits it brings them – really is the highest aim for the Chinese and Indians.
- e) Attitude towards Sharing and Helping Others
The Chinese and Indians are very indifferent when it comes to others and that shows itself in an almost total lack of wanting to share and help other poorer people. In 25 years, I have never seen a Chinese or Indian person giving money to any beggar or street performer in the city. Chinese and Indians will always consider themselves first and, given the choice, will help their kids get rich quicker and buy them a car or two and pay their tuition for college or university. If they had the power in their non-native countries, Chinese and Indians would abolish governmental social help and assistance in an instant (even though many take advantage of this very assistance in Canada and the USA). The Chinese in particular are notorious of not helping strangers in need (car broken down, etc.). Indians (Sikhs) do have their own temples where they welcome all people with food (24/7)and a dry bed for the night – but usually this only taken advantage of by their own people due to language barriers or lack of knowledge of the other cultures. Overall I would rate the Indian people more people friendly and engaging and slightly more giving than the Chinese who generally only deal with themselves and their own (family) interests.
- f) Attitude towards Higher Values and Morals
The Chinese do claim to be lovers of higher values and morality and also do act like it – so there is hypocrisy there. Indians (Sikhs) do claim to have higher values such as religion but, sadly, it does not show in everyday life. So they are the more hypocritical of the two Asian cultures I am examining. When it comes right down to it, we see that money and the accumulation of wealth drives both these cultures to the extreme and leaves no room for any other values or morality. Critical thinking and soul searching are non-existent for them due to other priorities (money) out crowding everything else. If you talk to a Chinese or Indian person and mention that they should slow down in their money chasing and give some to others of need help, they will either not know what you mean (and stare blankly at you) or outright laugh at you. The gods of the Asian cultures are mostly “money gods” or “good-fortune gods”.
- g) Fears and Pleasures
The Chinese and Indians have a terrible fear of being (or becoming) poor. They fear this the most and that is why they are so driven and usually very successful at most things that they undertake. The Chinese in particular tend to fear other races and try not to have too much personal contact with them (in that regard, the Indians are more robust and social with other cultures). They also fear “loosing face” in front of their own people and put on a “mask” so to speak. Overall it is a very interesting fact that the cultures that fear poverty the most have a huge poverty problem in the native country.
Indian like working a lot but also partying. They like to dance, eat and be cheerful. They like to buy expensive things (cars, houses, etc.) and show them off to the world (in an attempt to get others to envy them). Chinese like to work as well but also going out to restaurants and malls. They are particular font of sitting around in malls and enjoying the safe, air conditioned spaces in the summer (not really buying anything – just using the free amendments). They also love to go their own restaurants and sit there for hours eating and socialising with their own kind. Of course, a great pleasure is to show off their wealth to others in an attempt to create jealousy in others.
- h) General Character Traits and Outlook on Life and the World
Just like the North American, the Asian is not a right-and-wrong (good-and-evil) type person. They do not see the world that way. The world, for them, is about having success and being prosperous. If morals or religious thoughts are in the way, they would get eliminated quickly. They are not at all concerned with others (their culture or another) and are in competition with everyone else. There is no need for cosiness or ethical raising of children. Life is about getting rich or dying trying. Consumerism is high but not quite as high as with North Americans. Showing-off is a definite need for the Chinese and Indians. Language-wise, the Asians cultures are more flexible than the Americans and Canadians and rival the Europeans. However, Asians tend not to want to associate with other cultures unless they have no choice (in business, for example). Business-wise , Asians have been exploited in the past up till today (by Western cultures) partly due to their predictability when it comes to their life expectations and their character being ruled by the all-mighty dollar. In other words, the Asian has the least amount of resistance to being “bought” (i.e. corruption, etc.). Adequate welfare systems do not exist either in China or India and nobody would be able to organise or see the need for such an undertaking. Critical thinking about their state of mind and morals do not exist with the majority of Asians. And, hence, it is impossible to discuss any matters beyond the topic of acquiring more money (to have a better life, etc.). Due to their fear of transparency, it is difficult to get to really know Asians as they will always put up a front and not let you into their secret world.
Let’s talk about Racism
Let us define “Racism”: A generalised association of a certain statement with a race.
But let us use a few examples to see what racism sounds like.
- a) Americans are friendly and helpful.
- b) Italians are lazy.
- c) Germans are cold-hearted.
- d) Japanese are hard-working.
All of the above are racist statements because they associate a trait like, for example, “being lazy” with the majority/entire race of the Italians.
The first and last examples above might not sound racist to most people but that is because they mention positive character traits and are, hence, readily overlooked. Racism is not a bad or good thing in itself – it is merely a generalisation with reference to a certain race. That generalisation might be true or false. Most people are scared of the term “Racism” but that is because they have not critically examined its meaning. I would bet a lot of money that no American would call you a racist if you go up to him and tell him that you think that “Americans are friendly and helpful” (see example (a) above) – and yet that statement is racist.
When I compare different races and cultures and attach certain characteristics to them (by describing their actions and attitudes) I am being racist. And being racist is important. Why? Because without it you would not be able “to see the forest for the trees”, so to speak. Oftentimes generalisations (such as in racism) and help us understand issues that would normally be hidden by the often complex and chaotic nature of the world.
People that do not want others to be racist just want to cover-up glaring truths in order not to deal with them. Because if you say that “every person is different” or “not all people of one race are like that” you are trying to escape having to judge a possible real issue. You are trying to keep your rose-coloured glasses on and not having to deal with it. I understand that most people feel better when they are not faced with critical evaluations of life around them – ‘just let everybody do, think and be whatever they want and who’s to say what is good or bad (right and wrong), anyway’.
Something that all the anti-racist people are forgetting is that without pointing out bad (or good) character traits of a certain race you can never have a change for the better. If you deny an issue then it does not exist – and whatever does not exist, does not need to be fixed. ‘Turning a blind eye’ is one of the fundamental weaknesses humans have in this world.
Overview and Final Thoughts
Racial Differences are real. Attitudes, likes, dislikes, character traits, fears and pleasures of the different races/cultures on the globe are different. Some races exhibit more negative traits than others. Some are more giving. Some are more selfish. Some are thoughtful, others not so much. In this article I have drawn on the experiences I have had with the 3 groups I discussed: Northern/Central Europeans vs. North Americans vs. Asian (Chinese/Indian). The observations come from living on 3 continents in 16 different places over a span of 40 years.
I want to urge everybody to tell things how they see them. Take off your rose-coloured glasses and critically investigate a subject. Don’t just call racism bad because you heard everybody else do that. If you perceive something or someone or a certain group (i.e. race) to be right or wrong (good or bad), chances are that you are correct a lot of times. We have enough thought-lazy, half-asleep people in the world – do not be one of them.