Culture is a collection of rules and regulations that govern life of members of a community. It includes attitude, viewpoint, standards and ethics which shows it is very divergent. It is passed down from generation to generation and varies greatly across different regions. Its basic characteristic is that it keeps on changing. It is chiefly concerned with a nation and is transferred from one age bracket to another.

There are two basic cultural patterns across the world. They incorporate ‘Eastern and Western cultures. There is enormous difference between culture, thoughts, values and customs which shows that cultural boundaries are even powerful than geological restrictions.

Eastern culture

Eastern culture is derived from different civilizations. The predominant language of eastern culture is Hindi, Chinese, and Urdu being widely spoken. The most extensively practiced religion is Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Music has got a wide range starting from classic to pop music. Cuisine differs from country to country. Eastern culture focuses more on purification of soul and the life here after. Eastern emphasize community, tradition, spirituality, and sacrifice for calmness of society but it is a tough task to manage life in harsh circumstances of eastern world.

Western culture

Western culture is known for its materialism and has roots in Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian ethics. Western people are more indulged in maintaining quality of worldly life. Its widely used language is English.

Western societies are pole apart from eastern ones in field of science and technology. Life in a western country is pretty easy as they have number of resources and facilitates. It is primarily concerned with individual efforts. Western societies promote freedom of expression, personal success, and scientific advancement.

For more on how core belief systems shape behavior, explore the Difference between Gnostic and Agnostic.

Eastern Vs Western Culture

Aspect Eastern Culture Western Culture
Basic Setup Eastern culture focuses more on ‘collectivism’ which means they have large supportive families. Western culture focuses on ‘individualism’ which means every single person has to earn a livelihood.
Motive Eastern culture emphasizes on rest. Western culture lays emphasis on work.
Freedom Eastern culture has limited freedom of speech. Western culture allows full freedom of speech.
Values Eastern culture’s focal point is abnegation (love for others). Western culture’s focal point is self-security.
Education System Eastern education system is based on cramming and quantitative pattern. Western system is based on qualitative study.
Employment There are limited job opportunities in east. Western countries provide their citizens with wide variety of jobs.
Business Eastern people prefer relations. Western people prefer economic stability.
Marriage Eastern countrymen follow their family decision about marriage. Western countrymen prioritize love and then get marry.
Climate The climate in the East is varying and changing. Here, people living in east are blessed with all four seasons. The climate in the West is cold and harsh.

Two Worlds, One Human Experience: Understanding East and West

Imagine living in two worlds. One where you can respect your elders, be traditional, and community comes first. Another where you’re told to speak out, pursue your dreams, and think for yourself. Neither is bad—they’re just two different perspectives on the world. That’s the East vs West culture gap.

The foundation of Eastern culture is spirituality and collectivism. Individuals are schooled to revere the elders, maintain the honor of their families, and adjust to cultural expectations. The education is austere and mem-orization-driven. Life within this area skews towards living for the well-being of all, and faith and tradition sit at the fore.

Western culture, though, is achievement-oriented and forward-looking. It worships individual success, freedom of choice, and self-expression. From schooled to career to married life, the individual is king. While it inspires creativity and advancement, it can at times sacrifice emotional closeness.

Interestingly enough, the world of today is seeing crossovers. The Eastern nations are adopting entrepreneurship and technology, and the West is opting for mindfulness and family equilibrium. It’s a fusion of cultures that only makes both richer.

The difference is not one of excellence but of perspective. Where the East cultivates humility, the West cultivates assertiveness. Where the East speaks, “We,” the West speaks, “Me.” Both have perfection and flaw.

To explore another powerful duality of thinking, visit the Difference between Intuition and Paranoia.

The key? Learn from both. And live with an open mind.