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I think that this survey gives the measure of people's open-mindedness vs narrow-mindedness. People in Western Europe are less jingoistic and more open-minded about other cultures because:
1) these societies are more multicultural (not just immigrants, but also foreign workers, expats and students from abroad)
2) Western Europeans travel more and are therefore more familiar with other cultures too.
It's ironic that the poorest and least developed countries tend to think of themselves the most highly, while countries that are cultural leaders such as the UK (music, fashion, cinema, education), France (fashion, cuisine), Belgium/Netherlands (liberal laws), Sweden (egalitarianism, sustainability, social progress) are far more humble.
Surprisingly, that open mindedness is what allows exceptionalism and avant-garde thinking in sciences, culture etc.
Most golden era empires in the world were open, synchretic, synthesizing the best traits of its diverse sub cultures and populations.
Take Hellenism as a cultural movement that spread far and wide. Now compare and contrast that forward thinking Hellenism (for the time) with 21st century opinions Greek people from this survey show. Whereas the ancients would look back only as far as to create art, narrative and to pave a way for the future... today it is enough to have pride in something that happened 2600 years ago, with no coherent plan for the future. Took Hellenism and Greece as an example only cause it was the low hanging fruit. But the Balkans and Eastern Europe have similar issues. Deriving self worth from the past.
It is funny most of these cultures are Christian... and religious. I thought pride was the cardinal sin...
Azerbaijan is 97% Muslim, and has a very high percentage on that map. Pride is a sin in Islam as well.
@Bicicleur, it would be great to see a survey of the whole world. I'm sure Europe as a whole would average out to be among the lowest.
However, I do think it is perfectly healthy to have pride in your culture. But not to a narrow-minded or chauvinistic degree. Nevertheless, aspects of some cultures are better than others, imo. I think at least Greeks have good reason to be proud of Greek culture, given the legacy. I'm not culturally Greek, and I recognize it. As did other Greco-philes throughout history. That being said, I don't think it is the be all end all.
Azerbaijan is 97% Muslim, and has a very high percentage on that map. Pride is a sin in Islam as well.
@Bicicleur, it would be great to see a survey of the whole world. I'm sure Europe as a whole would average out to be among the lowest.
However, I do think it is perfectly healthy to have pride in your culture. But not to a narrow-minded or chauvinistic degree. Nevertheless, aspects of some cultures are better than others, imo. I think at least Greeks have good reason to be proud of Greek culture, given the legacy. I'm not culturally Greek, and I recognize it. As did other Greco-philes throughout history. That being said, I don't think it is the be all end all.
That was not my point Jovialis. Just a general observation from looking at the map. As there seems to be a correlation between countries that declare themselves as religious and regarding ones culture as superior.
Excessive Pride is indeed a sin in Islam. Just mentioned Christianity because from my familiarity with it, it is considered the original sin and the source of other sins.
I do not doubt that there might be a correlation between religiosity and regarding ones culture as superior in Islamic countries as well, in fact I would not be surprised. However, from this map of Europe it is hard to make that conclusion as there is no/few predominantly Islamic countries.
As for Azerbaijan... I do not see it in the map. I mean it looks uncolored, meaning it was not surveyed. Maybe you have a source I do not see.
I think some cultures are objectively more advanced and refined than others in some particular aspects. The fact that other Western countries emulate Ancient Greece, would inspire people there to feel that way I guess.
Modern Greek culture is very different from the ancient one.
Modern Greek culture is very different from the ancient one.
Wow, please everyone forgive my words, but I'm increasingly surprised and disappointed by the positions of Greece in these opinion surveys about morals, religion and societal values. I thought being so much wealthier and more cosmopolitan (a lot of international tourism and trade) than other parts of the Balkans it'd be more progressive and liberal.
I think that this survey gives the measure of people's open-mindedness vs narrow-mindedness. People in Western Europe are less jingoistic and more open-minded about other cultures because:
1) these societies are more multicultural (not just immigrants, but also foreign workers, expats and students from abroad)
2) Western Europeans travel more and are therefore more familiar with other cultures too.
It's ironic that the poorest and least developed countries tend to think of themselves the most highly, while countries that are cultural leaders such as the UK (music, fashion, cinema, education), France (fashion, cuisine), Belgium/Netherlands (liberal laws), Sweden (egalitarianism, sustainability, social progress) are far more humble.
Azerbaijan is 97% Muslim, and has a very high percentage on that map. Pride is a sin in Islam as well.
@Bicicleur, it would be great to see a survey of the whole world. I'm sure Europe as a whole would average out to be among the lowest.
However, I do think it is perfectly healthy to have pride in your culture. But not to a narrow-minded or chauvinistic degree. Nevertheless, aspects of some cultures are better than others, imo. I think at least Greeks have good reason to be proud of Greek culture, given the legacy. I'm not culturally Greek, and I recognize it. As did other Greco-philes throughout history. That being said, I don't think it is the be all end all.
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