Comparison Chart  The People: Way of Life   Europeans: Way of Life Present Oriented Future Oriented Not Time Conscious In olden times, most tribes did not have a word for time, because time was relative. It is the month to pick berries. When the sun comes up. Very Time Conscious Very time conscious with clocks, watches, and certain amounts of time set aside for each task or job. Giving A respected person is one who gives. A person who hoards is watched with distrust. (European proverb: It is better to give than to receive.) Saving A respected person is someone who saves. Even education is an investment in the future. (European proverb: A penny saved is a penny earned.) Cooperation Cooperation is healthy and essential. Anyone who tries to stand out is showing off. They believe in team effort. There was some competition. Competition Competition is healthy and essential. You do not have to win but you must try to achieve first place. There was some cooperation. Harmony with Nature   Accepts nature. They do not try to change it. If a log falls across a creek, no one moves it. The creek path might change, but that is harmony. Farmers did plant seed and irrigate their crops, but these are exceptions. Conquest over Nature     Controls nature by building dams and power plants. There are preserves set aside where land, plant, and animal life are in their natural state, but these are exceptions.  To return to the main menu, click on the basket   All Rights Reserved Counter start date January 2006     Adapted from Stone and DeNevi (1971) Have a great year!