Western Culture

Western Culture

Whether loved or loathed, it remains the most emulated. Most countries enjoy or desire democracy, blue jeans or Coca Cola.

Human culture was once strongly relational and built on ancestral ties. Blood and tradition were valued, much more than novelty or originality.

Joseph Henrich is a Harvard professor working in anthropology and evolutionary biology. He offers an exhilarating account of the historical shift starting from the late Middle Ages in Europe towards more focus on freedom, experimentation, commercial agreements and other ties with strangers.

He terms such societies as WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic). His very readable book is filled with fascinating studies: The Weirdest People in the World. How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous. https://weirdpeople.fas.harvard.edu/reviews

Such individuality has benefits and costs. Few WEIRD people are born into a large, unshakeable kinship network severed only by death. We are less controlled by others, but also have less supportive bonds with them.

Did Western culture more fuel civilisation or oppression?

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of individualistic and collectivist orientations.

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CUSTOMS:
You must register and be on the “Attendees - Going” list to attend.
Minimum spend of $10 at the cafe on food and/or drink. This enables us to have free use of their private room.

We meet UPSTAIRS at the Little Turkish Cafe. Please arrive early to order food and/or drink before you join us. Several people arrive early and eat downstairs before the Meetup. You are welcome to join us.
Bring $1 to cover Meetup costs.

RSVP POLICY:
RSVPs and cancellations will be accepted up until 6 hours before the start of the meetup so that people who feel unwell on the day have time to change their RSVP and allow someone else to attend.

Being registered to attend and not attending OR cancelling your attendance after 12:30pm on Tuesday will be considered a 'No Show'.

Members with two 'No Shows' will be banned from attending further D&M Meetups. This RSVP policy has become necessary due to the high number of last minute withdrawals and non-attendance. This unfairly causes people on the Waiting List to miss out. Thanks for your cooperation.