Being in the USA for 5 minutes; the first thing I notice is the difference in perception of time from the east. People in the west adhere to strict schedules and want to get the most of of their days by minimising “wasted” time (travelling etc). Highway displays, showing times to other routes and cities, drive-thru EVERYTHINGs, the phrase “for your convenience” is used a load. The east, people seem to appreciate their time they have, taking life at their own pace rather than feeling a pressure to be as productive as humanly possible. I always knew that we in the west squeeze every ounce of value out of the time that we have on this planet. Our drive thru chemists and Starbucks, the “time is money” ethic, doing things “better, faster and cheaper” and delivering a level of professionalism that replaces all human character in favour of robotic efficiency. I’m in a cab where the americans are arguing with the driver over a 5 minute difference, from taking one highway over another. Who cares how fast you’re going? It’s 8pm, you have no kids to get home to, at the worst, you’ll miss the first 10 minutes of “America’s Got Talent” but you’ve no doubt got TIVO, so just chill out, relax and enjoy the ride.
Frankly, if the communism and socialism of SE Asia’s only difference to our capitalism is the value of time, I’d rather be a commie.