Past or Future
Introduction
Do the people put more of their energy into maintaining what they alrady have, or do they value change for change's sake? A culture may be past oriented (and often more fatalistic), while another may be more future oriented (and often more controlling).
Argentina
Latin American cultures, Argentina included, have seen their world turned upside down more than once with their having little or no ability to control the events. Imagine surviving inflation of 10.000 percent (as was the case in the 1970s) or military coups and assorted invasions. In Argentina. there is a strong doubt in the ability to ultimately control what happens, but the effort is always there, for to struggle is to live.
Despite a strong desire to believe 'their own ability to overcome the odds, there may be an equal1y strong acceptance of the inevitability of setbacks and failures, and an inclination to place the blame on others and in circumstances beyond one's control if things go wrong.
America
There is low anxiety about life, as external structures and science provide answers to all important questions and isolate one from life. Anxiety is developed over deadlines and results because recognition of one's work is the greatest reward. The work ethic is very strong, so that it appears that one lives to work. There are established rules for everything, and experts are relied upon at all levels.
Australia
The past plays a minimal role in Australia, and no one is that willing to sacrifice a nice sunny day and the good life for an uncertain tomorrow. In this sense, therefore, Australians are rooted in the here and now. pragmatically oriented, and don't get too excited about having to moralize over things or hunker down for a better tomorrow.
China
Fatalism has always held China back, and the country's history has always seemed to justify the fatalism. Despite the age of the culture, today the average Chinese struggles against the fates, and puts much energy into appeasing those forces over which he or she believe they have little control. The pro-democracy movement and the events of Tiananmen Square on June 3-4, 1989, were, for this reason, both remarkable and predictable. Great stock is placed in fortuitous moments, omens, superstitious practices, and guidance from ancestors, the stars, and sages.
Colombia
Latin American cultures. including Colombia. have seen their world turned upside down more than once with their having little or no ability to control the events, First it was volcanoes and earthquakes. then conquistadors from the east. Venezuelans. the United States. and now drug lords and gueri1las, In Colombia. there is a strong doubt in the ability to control what happens. but the effort is always there, for to struggle is to live. Nevertheless, while they look hack to their roots for stability, Colombians are hopeful for the future, and will express confidence in the fact that there is a reason to work for change. This sometimes strong desire to believe in their own ability to overcome the odd, is often balanced against an equally strong acceptance of the inevitability of setbacks and failures. almost a fatalistic expectation of it, and an inclination to place the blame on others and uncontrollable events when things go wrong.
Congo
There is a distinct and inherent fatalism in regard to the effect of human action when considering day-to-day life. Nevertheless, those empowered by virtue of their position are expected to make the decisions that keep the world running, and by so doing are either fulfilling their destiny. however their religious beliefs define it, or that of their group. Therefore, future benefits often do not motivate Congolese: doing nothing, or doing things for the here and now, is sometimes more important. and if things do not work out. that is to he expected-no mortal controls the universe, and is ultimately determined. There is a deep belief that things will take the time they need to take. and that it is always more important to maintain smooth interpersonal relationships until opportunities come along: when that happens. Congolese will be sure to seize them.
Egypt
There is a distinct and inherent fatalism in regard to the effect of human action. fundamentally because only Allah determines what and when things will happen. Nevertheless, those empowered by virtue of their position are expected to make the decisions that keep the world running, and by so doing, are fulfilling Allah's will. Therefore, future benefits often do not motivate Egyptians; doing nothing or doing things for the here and now is sometimes more important, and if things do not work out, that is to he expected-no mortal controls the universe, and all is ultimately determined.
There is a deep belief that things will take the time they need to take, and that only Allah knows what that is (this has often been summarized as the "IBM" of the Arab world: I for “inshallah” -- as and only if Allah wills it: B for “buqrah” -- things will take the time they take; and M for “ma'alesh” -- loosely translated as, “don't worry”, “don't sweat it”, “it'll turn out okay: you may not see it now, but it's all for the best").
England
The British culture is a "controlling-oriented" one: the belief that the individual can, with enough will, resources, luck, and stamina, push their way through is widespread. "Muddling through," "carrying on," "keeping a stiff upper lip mustn't grumble": these are all hall-marks of the unstoppable and unflappable English.
This means that you will have to work uphill as well as "prove your stuff" in order to get things done, especially if what you are attempting to do with the English requires that they do things differently from the way they always have. And here is where the past plays a great role in England. There is no guarantee, for example, that tomorrow will be any better than today: in fact, English history is mainly the story of their great struggle in order simply to keep what they already have. Therefore, precedence, or the way that things have already been done successfully, is the main reason why they do what they do, even into the future. Optimistic, risk-taking Americans may have a hard time convincing the British to try a new way, Unless there is a very good reason to throw out that tattered, cracked-leather chair in the comer, they'll keep it, thank you very much.
France
It should not be surprising, therefore, that in many ways, France is past oriented, at least in the sense that unless there is a compelling reason to change, there probably is no reason to do things differently from the way they have determined to do them in the past.
Nevertheless. there is also a very strong French tendency to explore, examine, analyze, and review -- and if such activity results in a better way of doing things. a solution to a problem, or even just the revealing of a new problem or new way to look at things, such developments would be welcomed (and if they lead to change, so he it). Here we see that complex French mix of believing that people can control their own destinies through the rigorous application of thought, and the opposing Gallic spirit of “c'est la vie”, and succumbing to the greater forces. This results in an acceptance of the way things are, with the belief that one can do better if only. . . , and the conclusion. therefore, that one must enjoy today and live it to the fullest. It would be difficult to find a French man who would sacrifice the benefits and blessings of today for the uncertain ties, even the promises, of tomorrow.
Germany
Germans have a strong sense of control. They believe that with enough careful and methodical compartmentalization, organization, and structure, they can and should exercise as much control over their environment (and their future)' as they can. In this sense, Germans can be very forward-looking; however, history has repeatedly shown that events may he beyond human control, and Germans also have a strong sense of how difficult this application of will can be (and that there can always be a point beyond which one does not have influence).
India
All Indian religious traditions emphasize the fatalistic nature of the universe: from reincarnation to karma, there is a distinct and inherent fatalism assigned to the effect of human action. Nevertheless. those empowered by virtue of their caste position arc expected to make the decisions that keep this secular world running, as a reflection of their higher ranking in the universal order of things. Therefore. future benefits often do not motivate Indians; doing nothing, or doing things for the here and now, are sometimes more relevant, and if things do not work out, this is to be expected – one one controls the universe, and all is determined. Hindus see both the future the past as part of the same repeating cycles of history, and some more devout Muslim, find it heretical that mere mortals can presume to know or alter Allah's will by planning far into the future.
Indonesia
All three religious traditions (Hindu, Buddhist, and Islam) emphasize the fatalistic nature of the universe; Indonesians certainly want to do things that will bring success to themselves and their families, but action is not taken with the belief that it builds a better tomorrow, or that it is even being done with tomorrow in mind. Rather, things are done because it is appropriate to do so now in response to the current opportunities and risks, with a knowledge that the outcome may not ultimately be in our control. Muslims say that "such and such will happen, “Inshallah" -- meaning "if God wills" -- thus diminishing human responsibility for the ultimate success or failure of an event (in fact, it may be difficult to make long-term plans in such an environment, for it is sometimes seen as foolish, even slightly heretical, to presume the ability to control things so far into the future). Hindus see both the future and the past as essentially the same (a repeating cycle), and Chinese Buddhists are very sensitive to the power of forces beyond their control (“feng shui”, ancestors, auspicious and inauspicious moments, etc.).
Italy
Italians are essentially fatalistic; however, the past, while glorious in those aspects that celebrate Italy's enormous cultural contributions (art, food, music, engineering, literature, etc.), is not necessarily mourned for. Nevertheless, the future is not longed for, either, and because of a general pessimism about being able to control future events, the pervasive attitude is to live for the here and now, as best as one can.
Japan
Nature is not forgiving in Japan: the country is rocked by earthquakes. and typhoons or tidal waves often devastate its shorelines. This IS a common theme throughout ancient Asian cultures, even as they struggle to thrive today, and Japan is no different. The Japanese relieve that as they work with all their abilities to make wetter world for their children, there are rituals to he observed, traditions to be taken seriously, and ancestors to he listened to in order for the future to work out the way they hope.
Nigeria
A distinct and inherent fatalism in regard to the effect of human action is fundamental to both Islamic and indigenous beliefs. Nevertheless, those empowered by virtue of their position (or luck) are expected to make the decisions that keep the world running, and by so doing, are fulfilling either Allah's will or they are at the mercy of the fate of their group. Therefore, future benefits often do not motivate Nigerians; doing nothing, or doing things for the here and now, is sometimes more important, and if things do not work out, that is to be expected-_no mortal controls the universe, and all is ultimately determined.
There is a deep belief that things will take the time they need to take, and that it is always more important to maintain smooth interpersonal relationships until opportunities come along: when that happens. Nigerians will be sure to seize them!
Philippines
Because the past was one of foreign domination, there is no reason to look back. Filipinos look toward the future, and are frustrated that today's actions do not necessarily affect what happens tomorrow. When things do not work out, it is because of "kinaiya", or fate. It is an agrarian concept from the indigenous Visayan culture, loosely translated as: "That's just the way things are" or "That's just the way we are" (to foreigners).
Poland
The past plays a significant role in Polish society: it is both a weight and a source of identity. It controls and limits possibilities, but it also defines who the Poles are. Poles believe that individuals do have some control over what happens to them, and must struggle, in all ways possible, to exercise control over the future. Nevertheless, there is great acceptance of the fact that much of what will happen is beyond the control of mere individuals, even powerful ones, and that ultimately God is the source of all events.
Russia
The past plays a significant role in Russian society: it is both a weight and a source of identity. It controls and limits possibilities, but it also defines who the Russians are. Russians believe that if individuals are to have any control over what happens to them, they must struggle, in all ways possible, against impossible odds -- and society, as it has been structured, cooperates with this expectation. There is great acceptance of the fact that much of what will happen is beyond the control of mere individuals, even powerful ones, and that ultimately God (at least among the Orthodox) is the source of all events. It has been said that no people can endure and suffer like the Russian people.
Saudi Arabia
There is a distinct and inherent fatalism in regard to the effect of human action, fundamentally because only Allah determines what and when things will happen. Nevertheless, those empowered by virtue of their position are expected to make the decisions that keep the world running, and by so doing, are fulfilling Allah's will. Therefore, future benefits often do not motivate Saudis; doing nothing, or doing things for the here and now, is sometimes more important, and if things do not work out, that is to be expected -- no mortal controls the universe, and all is ultimately determined. There is a deep belief that things will take the time they need to take, and that only Allah knows what that is (this has often been summarized as the 'IBM" of the Arab world: I for “inshallah” -- as and only if Allah wills it; B for “buqrah” -- things will take the time they take' and M for “ma'alesh” -- loosely translated as, "don't worry," "don't sweat it," "it'll turn out okay, you may not see it now, but it's all for the best").
Slovenia
The people of this region are very fatalistic and superstitious, more so as you move from north to south. The past is the reason for the actions of the present, and there often is little belief that the future will be anything else but a replay of the past, unless and until the "other" changes his ways. There is a strong resistance to see oneself and one's country as part of the problem and a powerful tendency to shift blame to the other for the problems of the moment; this is true individually and, often, as a culture, throughout the region.
Sweden
Sweden is really neither past-oriented nor future-oriented, in the sense that the utopia notion of social welfare is focused on the here and now, on making life better for most. There is a certain nostalgia in Sweden for the past glories, and for the more recent past's obvious easy successes with creating the "perfect" middle-class world; the obstacles encountered in attempting to achieve this goal today are seen as troubling and complex. Nevertheless, Swedes do exude a certain confidence over being able to do whatever needs to be done in order to maintain their admittedly high standard of living into the future.