A Different Mind-Set

Before embarking on our trip to Germany we purchased train passes for 2 days since our plans included some travel by train. We were on 4 different trains and not once did anybody ask for tickets. The perception is that train travel is free to all, except that at one train station I saw others purchasing rides. It was the same way with the busses we rode.

I mentioned this to our Brit host at the guest house in the village of Seebach. He explained that it’s no surprise because the German society is an ordered society and no one would think about not paying or checking that others pay. Upon reflection I noticed that our parent company in Germany does business in the same strictly ordered manner. Everything is done precisely to the rules without fail. If I ask for information, I can’t get it unless that part of the project is complete. There’s no way they’ll send any advance information because it might change later. They can’t stand the idea of anyone knowing a mistake was made. It’s sort of high personal ego overshadowed by high organizational ego. It’s a group mindset with little personal initiative.

With the exception of union members, the US tends to be the opposite. The whole (original) philosophy of this country is individualism. The individual is ultimately responsible for himself. The individual drives the group, in a way.

I wonder if this basic difference is part of what drives our own society struggles here in the US. The Democrats tend to be socialists similar to the Europeans, and the Republicans tend to be individualists like the founders of this country. It’s an entirely different mind-set as to how society should be.

Personally I favor individualism, capitalism and a limited federalist government over all others. This combination has helped the US explode into a world economic, political and military leader. And the individual can become a Bill Gates or a homeless street bum depending on his level of ambition.