What Can East and West Learn from Each Other?

Note to Attendees: Please consider making a $5 donation to contribute to the running costs of this Meetup.

“East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” wrote Rudyard Kipling. Yet throughout history, Eastern and Western civilisations have influenced one another through trade, philosophy, religion, and cultural exchange.

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, what can these different traditions learn from each other? Can the East and West find common ground while preserving their distinctive identities, or are some cultural differences too profound to reconcile?

At this Brisbane meetup, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of Eastern and Western cultures, their differing values, and what their growing interaction might mean for the future.

The questions we will address are:

1. Is Western individualism preferable to Eastern ideals of social harmony?
2. Has Western material progress come at the expense of spiritual wisdom found in the East?
3. Will closer ties between East and West enrich their cultures or erode their identities?

This event will be held at the Waterloo Hotel in Brisbane.
After the discussion, we’ll stay on for a meal and a drink together — a chance to continue the conversation in a more relaxed setting and support the venue.

PLEASE NOTE:
Please support the venue by purchasing a drink or meal during the event.
This is intended to be a good-natured but robust discussion. Please be respectful and prepared to have your ideas challenged. If you are easily offended, this event may not be for you.