It's always difficult from Americans to understand how Mediterranean culture approaches life. Let's forget that afternoon naps are (unfortunately) a thing of the past, I think the main difference in the cultural approach is our religion.
Italians (and Spanish) are Catholic, we were taught that we are all the same in front of God, that it's bad to desire more than others, that personal success mustn't drive our life.
USA have taken the Protestant approach and -more importantly- the Calvinist belief that you always must work as hard as you can, and that you need to deserve your wealth: so, the more you earn, the more you work to prove that you are really earning your money and deserving your success. This approach creates a great deal of wealth, but it implies that people live to work and amass money.
Let's say that the most recent American history proves that such approach can lead to believe that the richest is the most deserving, and it can have serious side effects.
There's clearly a difference between the views on work in each culture. I've read a lot about this over the years.
It's not because I grew up Catholic, but philosophically I'm more in line with the Mediterranean/Latin thinking on this point, even though my single-minded focus when working is at odds with that. I have lived for many years in Italy -- and before that, in Spain and Peru -- plus many summers in Santo Domingo, but I guess I can't completely shake off the culture were I grew up.
I read an interesting article a few years back that showed that the parts of Germany that became protestant during the Reformation were today richer than the areas that remained Catholic. But the Catholic areas had better heath outcomes! Pensa un po'.
I have lived in Spain off and on for ten years and I love it, but there are still some cultural aspects I can't get my head around. The siesta is one of them. I'm never as productive after a nap.
Wow, what a story about Franco! They were married 60 years ..... I hate the way the saying of <<La Dolce Vita>> has been tarnished. I like the way you said it was like a prayer.
It's always difficult from Americans to understand how Mediterranean culture approaches life. Let's forget that afternoon naps are (unfortunately) a thing of the past, I think the main difference in the cultural approach is our religion.
Italians (and Spanish) are Catholic, we were taught that we are all the same in front of God, that it's bad to desire more than others, that personal success mustn't drive our life.
USA have taken the Protestant approach and -more importantly- the Calvinist belief that you always must work as hard as you can, and that you need to deserve your wealth: so, the more you earn, the more you work to prove that you are really earning your money and deserving your success. This approach creates a great deal of wealth, but it implies that people live to work and amass money.
Let's say that the most recent American history proves that such approach can lead to believe that the richest is the most deserving, and it can have serious side effects.
Ciao Antonia!
There's clearly a difference between the views on work in each culture. I've read a lot about this over the years.
It's not because I grew up Catholic, but philosophically I'm more in line with the Mediterranean/Latin thinking on this point, even though my single-minded focus when working is at odds with that. I have lived for many years in Italy -- and before that, in Spain and Peru -- plus many summers in Santo Domingo, but I guess I can't completely shake off the culture were I grew up.
I read an interesting article a few years back that showed that the parts of Germany that became protestant during the Reformation were today richer than the areas that remained Catholic. But the Catholic areas had better heath outcomes! Pensa un po'.
Thanks a lot for commenting!
I have lived in Spain off and on for ten years and I love it, but there are still some cultural aspects I can't get my head around. The siesta is one of them. I'm never as productive after a nap.
The difference between protestant and catholic cultures is underestimated. Very good point.
I remember reading this essay before , it stayed with me, one of those pieces that quietly carves a place in your heart.
In a world that runs too fast, be a Franco, gently human, rich in what matters.
That's so nice that you remember Franco! The original story was from 2018!
I agree 100%: a man rich in the things that matter most.
Wow, what a story about Franco! They were married 60 years ..... I hate the way the saying of <<La Dolce Vita>> has been tarnished. I like the way you said it was like a prayer.
We all want to be able to sip la dolce vota but we lack the courage to really live it.