We (Americans) have this culture of individualistic self-invention, consumer identity as a lifestyle (intellectual/artistic pursuits included), and the felt experience that worth/belonging/security is contingent on performance or achievement. Plus struggles with emotional intelligence and trauma (esp. among men), perpetuating that internalized conditionality.
I know so many people that got burned out and around their 30s, went off trying to do everything all at once (me too)… dancing around the hole.
The mixing of all of the above feels more uniquely American. Not that Japan (or others) don’t have some of the facets, like aspects of meritocracy (arguably balanced by other cultural values).
I know so many people that got burned out and around their 30s, went off trying to do everything all at once (me too)… dancing around the hole.
The mixing of all of the above feels more uniquely American. Not that Japan (or others) don’t have some of the facets, like aspects of meritocracy (arguably balanced by other cultural values).