West went Outward while Asia went Inward - Contrasting Development Models: Exploring the West and Asia

Hi All,

Today, I wanted to talk about how the West and Asia followed different developmental paths. This topic was much inspired by recent conversations with my book club members. Welcome any thoughts! Please note this post is limited to the finite comparison between the West (Europe + the US) and North East Asia (China/South Korea/Japan).

I. Introduction

When I was in university, I was obsessed with a relentless pursuit of the ultimate TRUTH. It all began with a simple question: 'Why some countries are rich while others are poor?'. This puzzle propelled me into a deep exploration of power dynamics, human nature, and the possibility of achieving power without causing harm to others. My journey led me to immerse myself in the foundations of Western philosophy, religious doctrines, and political theories, and compare these to the Asian parallels (my reference was mainly based on South Korea because I was born there and lived till age 14/15).

As I ventured further into the study of diverse cultures and societies around the world, a striking realization dawned upon me: different regions have forged unique models of societal progress. Among these divergent paths, one intriguing contrast emerged—the development models of the West and Asia. It is this juxtaposition that forms the core focus of this blog post. I wanted to delve into the fundamental differences between these two approaches, shedding light on three key aspects:
1) Separation of spirit/religion from the body
2) Contrasting views on human nature, and
3) Divergent perspectives on material wealth and spiritual development.

1. Separation of Spirit/Religion from the Body
One significant disparity between the West and Asia lies in their contrasting approaches to the relationship between spirit/religion and the physical body. In the West, a notable historical shift occurred during the Enlightenment movement of the 17th century, as thinkers began to separate the spiritual realm from the physical world. This separation gained popularity and influenced the construction of a society centered around the notion that "all men are born evil."

Thomas Hobbes, a prominent thinker of that era, laid the foundation for the development of nation-states based on this premise. His concept of the "Leviathan" emphasized the necessity of strong governance and institutions to control the inherent flaws and selfish tendencies believed to exist within individuals. Hobbes' perspective encapsulated the prevailing Western belief in the fundamental imperfections of human nature.

In contrast, Asia fostered a society and civilization firmly rooted in the belief that "all men are born good." This perspective placed greater emphasis on the inherent goodness of human nature and sought to cultivate virtuous qualities in individuals and communities. As the Chinese philosopher Mencius asserted, "Man is born good. If one becomes evil, it is because of the environment." This view underscored the conviction in Asia that human potential for goodness could be nurtured through moral development.

The contrasting viewpoints on human nature between the West and Asia can be summarized by the words of Thomas Hobbes, who remarked, "In the state of nature, profit is the measure of right." This quote reflects the Western perspective on the inherent self-interest and flawed nature of humanity. On the other hand, the Asian perspective, as expressed by Confucius in the Analects, asserts that "Virtue is not solitary; it depends on others. The individual cannot develop himself alone." This emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the importance of communal harmony for moral development.

I believe these differing perspectives on the relationship between spirit/religion and the physical body, as well as contrasting views on human nature, have profoundly influenced the development models of the West and Asia, shaping their respective cultural, social, and political landscapes.

2. Divergent Views on Human Nature

The divergent views on human nature serve as a striking illustration of the disparities between the West and Asia. Western philosophical and social frameworks often acknowledge the presence of inherent human flaws and selfish tendencies. This recognition has given rise to a system that places greater emphasis on the need for laws, institutions, and external governance mechanisms to control these innate inclinations. George Orwell's novel "1984" vividly portrays an extreme version of this idea through the concept of "big brothers," representing a surveillance state that monitors and controls individuals.

In contrast, Asian societies have long embraced the belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. This perspective fosters a focus on moral development and the cultivation of virtues within individuals and communities. Instead of primarily relying on external systems of control, the emphasis is placed on nurturing and harnessing the innate potential for goodness. Asian philosophical traditions, such as Confucianism and Buddhism, have played significant roles in shaping this perspective.

These differing views on human nature can be encapsulated by contrasting quotes from Western and Asian scholars. The Western perspective, influenced by the likes of Thomas Hobbes, acknowledges the flaws within individuals. As Jeremiah 17:9 in the Bible states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This recognition of human fallibility informs the Western emphasis on external mechanisms to maintain order.

In contrast, Asian perspectives emphasize the belief in the inherent goodness of individuals. Daisaku Ikeda, a Buddhist philosopher, asserts, "In every human being, there is an essential nature that is pure, conscious, and wise." This viewpoint emphasizes the potential for individuals to cultivate their intrinsic virtues and contribute positively to society.

The contrasting views on human nature between the West and Asia have profound implications for societal structures and approaches to governance. While the West tends to rely on external control mechanisms to mitigate inherent flaws, Asian societies emphasize the cultivation of moral character and intrinsic goodness within individuals as a means of promoting social harmony and progress.

3. Exploring Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Development

The contrasting perspectives on the pursuit of material wealth versus spiritual development further differentiate the West from Asia. The Western approach has historically prioritized outward exploration and the accumulation of material wealth as symbols of progress and success. This emphasis on economic growth, scientific advancements, and the acquisition of material possessions has shaped the developmental trajectory of Western societies. The pursuit of material prosperity has been a defining aspect of Western civilization, driving innovation, competition, and economic systems.

In contrast, Asia's focus has gravitated more toward introspection and spiritual development. Ancient wisdom traditions, such as Buddhism and Confucianism, have profoundly influenced Asian societies, encouraging individuals to look inward, cultivate inner peace, and seek spiritual enlightenment as a pathway to societal harmony. The emphasis on spiritual growth and personal transformation has been deeply ingrained in Asian cultures, with individuals striving to attain higher states of consciousness and inner fulfillment.

The contrasting approaches to material wealth and spiritual development can be encapsulated by the following quotes. Western societies have often embraced the idea that "money makes the world go round." This notion emphasizes the importance of economic prosperity as a driving force behind progress and societal well-being. In contrast, Asian philosophies offer insights such as the teaching of Buddha: "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." This highlights the belief that true fulfillment and harmony can be found through spiritual exploration and self-awareness.

While the West's pursuit of material wealth has led to remarkable advancements in science, technology, and economic systems, Asia's emphasis on spiritual development has nurtured profound introspection, mindfulness, and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all beings.

It is important to note that these generalizations may oversimplify the complexity and diversity within both the Western and Asian contexts. However, exploring the divergent perspectives on material wealth and spiritual development provides valuable insights into the unique cultural, social, and philosophical landscapes of these regions.

II. Conclusion

The contrasting development models between the West and Asia offer fascinating insights into the divergent paths these regions have taken. While the West built a society around the idea that "all men are born evil" and focused on material wealth, Asia developed a civilization based on the belief in the inherent goodness of individuals and emphasized spiritual development. These differing perspectives on human nature, spirituality, and material pursuits have shaped the respective cultural, social, and economic landscapes.

As we reflect on the future of humanity, it becomes evident that the current materialistic Western development model is increasingly harming the Earth and proving to be unsustainable, contributing to climate change and the degradation of our environment and fellow species. Perhaps the way forward lies in a meeting of minds and cultures, where we find a balance between the outward push for progress and the inward search for wisdom and harmony. It is an opportunity to merge various cultures and practices from around the world, drawing upon the ancient wisdom left by our ancestors.

I invite you to join me on this ongoing journey as we explore the convergence of these contrasting paradigms and seek a more holistic and sustainable approach to societal progress. Together, we can delve deeper into the vast pool of cultural heritage and wisdom, discovering new ways to navigate the challenges of our time and create a future that respects the interconnectedness of all life forms.