The #cultures from the Western and Eastern worlds have always portrayed a level of different influences. Both sides exhibit traditional and modern cultural approaches and vary vastly in the usage of resources and energy. They hold a strong standing among the present generation. Some do not see the difference while some preach and adopt life as per the culture taught or culture's understanding. This blog explores the contrasts between these two cultures, their reasons for the same, and their position in the future.
Eastern Vs. Western Philosophy: A Short Video
“It is important to know the surroundings, it is the way of survival.”
Does Western Culture Spill the Energy?
Western culture is seen as one with free wings and openness. The lifestyle tempts one to live it all without bothering about the future. This may be true for a movie-like experience but it does not define reality.
Some Energy Spills:
Lifestyle- The high-consumption lifestyle uses energy to its core. It is always spilling towards all things good, which is prominently seen in North America, Europe, and major cities around the world.
Technology-
The dependence on technology, from home appliances to electronic gadgets is rooted in the Western culture. Modern convenience methods like vehicles and electronics saw a lifestyle upgrade with high expenses.
No one saw this as a major threat, the idea was to convene the basic human needs. However, the energy-consuming devices, the burden of fossil fuel consumption, and the heavy carbon footprint have become a challenge for future generations.
“AI is the new way, but is it Earth’s way? Educate to make a difference.”
Consumer approach-
#Change in consumerism became prominent over the years. The habit of continually buying, disposable goods has become a nuisance for #dumping grounds. The use and throw contributed to the globalization of country dumping methods.
Globalization was seen as a Western way to reduce the personal burden on developing countries. The urbanized approach was energy intensive as it consumed all the energy in creating, transporting, developing, and dumping.
“Consumers are spoiled, the market is boiled. Innovative thinking can be a way to calm the soil.”
Habits-
Different consumption habits alter the ecosystem and require a lot of energy usage. Western cultures are heavy meat eaters and present times have seen the inclination towards vegan and vegetarian diets. The consumption of alcohol and inclination towards unprescribed pills, of high-profile celebrities, were noted as trendy lifestyles. The fall of major names saw a negative influence on the human body and mind.
“Habits can accommodate the entire change and way of living.”
Comfort-
Comfortable lifestyles include heavy usage of heating and cooling devices. Apart from energy-consuming products, the use of chemical-laden beauty products has made the market indulgent. Money and fast methods have the best outcome with no consideration for the environment.
“Comfort is a temporary happiness, do not confuse it with the way of life.”
Industrial Growth-
Innovative technological advancements, industrial production needs, and other methods led to high energy consumption.
“Industry is profit-oriented, consumerism is a fake. Do not fall for tactics, profit is their only way.”
All these points, highlight the loss of mental health. The idea of keeping the throne of kingship made the Western countries greedy, pompous, and unkind. The need to be the most powerful state made them inhuman.
All the basic human emotions became a burden for trained professionals. These hampered and decayed the strength in ways unseen. Today western culture faces the worst form of growth and has the least impact on Eastern countries.
Which Culture can you relate to?
0%Western Culture
0%Eastern Culture
0%No Cultural Inclination
0%A Combination Form of Culture
You can vote for more than one answer.
Eastern Culture: Conserving Energy
The Eastern culture inclines towards personal growth with content and humility. The system of joint families prevailed for many years and still exists in major countries. The idea is to be present for human life and be thankful towards the earth. Gratitude is seen as a major part of Eastern culture. They do not get influenced heavily but the Western influence still holds the global key.
“The fear of East took over the world with wars of the needs.”
Lifestyle-
The lifestyle to conserve and practice sustainability, with minimal energy consumption was natural in daily living. Nature always took preference over energy-consuming habits. Natural lighting, Natural ventilation, and insulation were some methods of energy saving used for enjoying the earthly benefits.
“Lifestyle is education for the Eastern culture.”
Community Approach-
The idea to give back to Mother Earth and the community is seen as a way to be thankful. Sharing resources, inclination towards help, hopeful approach kept them in the loop for simplicity. The interdependence reduced the usage of energy and also maintained peace in the community.
“An Approach can mark the beginning of a new era.”
Diets-
The Eastern culture was seen as plant eaters and heavily relied on a seasonal lifestyle. This was basically to keep the body healthy and the mind happy. Meat-based diets were energy intensive and not seen in a healthy form for life.
“Original recipes with natural ingredients never fail.”
Renewable Resources-
Renewable resources were the modern approach for them. Solar, wind energy and hydropower are some forms of energy resources. To reuse, to save, to re-energize the natural way was always the priority.
“Basics of renewable can resource the future.”
Culture-
Harmony and mindful living in nature were imbibed in the daily routine. The base and family bond, the respect and cultural books, and many more factors kept the simplicity alive for many years. Nature came above all and respect was given to all forms of work.
Agriculture, water, air, and Beliefs, were of utmost importance and nothing came beyond them. It may sound an orthodox approach but it was the science that mattered.
Daily life practices included moderation, waste management, resourcefulness, and happy endings. The modern method of living was not taken openly and frowned upon for many years.
“Cultures are changing daily, build your own and bring the change.”
Which way is the world headed?
The world is on the cusp of combining both cultures and some are in revival mode. This era has become an unfortunate place to be. The beauty of life has been forgotten. No one has any idea of the real meaning of life. Life was all about exploring, living, and smiling. The real purpose was to learn and help, but now it has become a potent power game.
Exploitation has led to the fall of humanness, the level of humanity in olden times was seen in every other human, the same is consumed by fakeness and flashy behavior. Schooling has lost its impact, business has become a game of survival, and professional degrees are seen as a mode of attainment. Mental health has taken a fall and no method shall work unless you give up on luxuries.
“No direction is also a way, but not a safe approach.”
The question remains- How to find the middle path?
The idea of finding a middle path can be done by thankfulness. We need to know our needs, we need to see that human life is not about finding comfort only but also about living in peace. Things do not provide us peace, they only are momentary happiness. Real peace and happiness are within. Nothingness can be the best way to live.
It is important to Re-school our thoughts, understand why people before were happy, what kept them going, and how to be content. All these are the
basis of humanity, but have become impossible to attain.
“Some surprises come from compromising, find your compromise.”
Guidance for a better tomorrow can help us use the present tech of need with proper resources and avail the best results. Human needs are not many but human pride undermines the same. Like animals, we need to learn to understand the basics of survival and curb the need for extensive spillage. Conservation is the best way towards a healthy future.
Save the Environment- To grow plants, reduce soil harm, revive renewable resources, conserve sun energy, etc. can be a good start. Companies thrive on our needs and stop using unwanted things. Reduce the need for clothing, technology, unwanted medication, etc., and path your way towards the best of earth.
“Western or Eastern, mark your own culture as your way of living.”
Western and Eastern exchange can turn into a mindful consumption and integrate the best practices. Global effort should be seen and made by all major parties in power positions. The game of money and power is a fake display of ego minds.
Policy and Innovation can be combined for the best results. Strict laws towards sustainable practices, advancement with care, and usage of AI in the proper place can help us grow in the correct manner.
Education and advocating awareness about energy conservation have begun but gained little momentum. This is due to the lack of knowledge and process. The collective response towards these can help us save the plant for future generations.
To benefit from the contrast approaches is the healthy approach. A constructive approach to growth should prevail and both cultures should adopt the best practices from each side. The motto of a simple lifestyle shall help us achieve the ultimate goal of happiness.
A Comparison of Western and Eastern Culture:
The #comparison is not for the purpose of good or bad, but an open idea to see what suits you. It shall help identify your need for growth. The contrast cultures are to define the best for you and mark a balance between them.
“Choose a combinational approach and define your own goal.”
Western Culture Rational & Values-
Pro: Advance Science Technology, Individualism, Freedom
Con: No Spiritual or emotional aspect, Stress, Lack of Support System
Eastern Culture Rational &Values-
Pro: Mindfulness, Holistic, Harmony, Community
Con: Suppress Desires, Hinder Tech progress
Western Culture Lifestyle & Work-Life-
Pro: High Living Standards, Personal Time, Leisure
Con: High consumerism, No balance or real focus
Eastern Culture Lifestyle & Work-Life-
Pro: Simple Standards of Living, Strong Ethics for life
Con: Limit to modernity, Curb to amenities, Burnouts
Western Culture on Nature & Agriculture-
Pro: Innovative Renewable Approach, Tech-based methods
Con: High Energy Consumption, Unhealthy products
Eastern Culture Nature & Agriculture-
Pro: Strong Policies for Nature, Traditional Methods
Con: Slow progress, Low production
Western Culture on Tech & Innovation-
Pro: Advanced with future targets, Encourages Creativity
Con: Major Industrial Benefits, Waste Creation, No credit, Only Gains
Eastern Culture Tech & Innovation-
Pro: Sustainable approach, Knowledge and Respect
Con: Economic Interests, Academic Pressure
Western Culture on Education & Health-
Pro: Focus on Innovation, Best Medical Tech
Con: Profit-making, Expensive care methods
Eastern Culture Education & Health-
Pro: Discipline, Physical Methods
Con: Over expectation, Holistic Well-being
“Confusion is normal, efforts are good, learn from the books and pass the clarity for good.”
Individuals can define their needs and add value to life with either approach. Thoughts and understanding do not grow in one night. One’s interests and ideas, curiosity, and hope can lead to an approach of self-creation. The idea is to gain the best of both sides.
You can decide to inculcate new methods in life and pursue a month of healthy approach. Change is never easy but the way to knowledge. Add a surprise factor of health and happiness by trying new ways of living.
Join new communities, help others in need, Educate the future generation, learn something from your past, experience a new approach, read, discuss, ask, and show keenness to enjoy the present.
“To live in harmony is important and to be in harmony is equally a talent.”
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