The culture of a community or nation is influenced by its surroundings, values, and beliefs. As a result, different regions of the world have distinct cultures that vary greatly from one another. Currently, the world’s cultures can be divided into two main categories: Eastern and Western culture. Over the years, these two cultures have continually influenced each other due to globalization, shaping and molding each other in the process.
Eastern Culture
Eastern culture encompasses the beliefs, customs, and traditions of people from the eastern part of the world, including the Far East, West Asia, Central Asia, North Asia, and South Asia. Primarily based on Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Islam, Taoism, and Zen, Eastern culture focuses on the spiritual aspect of exploring the inner world of a human being. It posits that the universe and its existence are part of a never-ending cyclic journey without limits. Eastern culture encourages people to gain control over their emotions and state of mind through meditation and practices the principle of virtue in all aspects of life. It is a culture built upon community and collectivism, as Eastern culture believes that humans are social creatures and integral parts of society.
Western Culture
Western culture refers to the heritage of ethical values, traditions, customs, belief systems, technologies, and artifacts that define the lifestyles and beliefs of people from the Western part of the world. It has its origins in Europe and carries a heritage of Germanic, Celtic, Hellenic, Slavic, Jewish, Latin, and other ethnic and linguistic groups. Mainly based on Christianity, Western culture sees individuals as elements of the divine and life in service to God. It began in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, continued to develop with Christianity during the Middle Ages, and was nourished by the experiments of the Enlightenment and the discoveries of science. Western culture spread throughout the world between the 16th and 20th centuries as a result of globalization and human migration.
Key Takeaways
- Eastern culture is based on Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Islam, Taoism, and Zen, while Western culture is primarily based on Christianity, scientific, logical, and rational schools.
- Eastern culture has a circular view of the universe based on the concept of eternal recurrence, whereas Western culture has a linear view of the universe based on the Christian philosophy that everything has a beginning and an end.
- Eastern culture emphasizes spirituality, meditation, and collectivism, while Western culture focuses on pragmatism, emotional expression, and individualism.
