Hey mangosteen, I find it interesting that we both hit a similar social theory.
In my case though,I insist it is not the cold. It's the weather. Most cultures with pronounced hospitality traditions seem to have weather that could kill you. That means deserts as well as blizzards. In other words, someday you might be the one stuck out in the elements and needing to get in.
Thus, Canadians are really nice to strangers.
I do like this "if it is always nice, you don't need to get it done today" theory, as it also explains the wonderful energy in Greece.
What I find, however, is quite the opposite of you, siderea. Namely, I find way to many easterners mistake indulgence for living to the fullest, mistake wild swings of excess as "living life to the lees". There is no subtlety in their passions, no savoring of their pleasures.
Having an actual 4 seasons does teach one to appreciate what is special about each one, though, that is far too true.
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Date: 2006-06-05 06:10 pm (UTC)In my case though,I insist it is not the cold. It's the weather. Most cultures with pronounced hospitality traditions seem to have weather that could kill you. That means deserts as well as blizzards. In other words, someday you might be the one stuck out in the elements and needing to get in.
Thus, Canadians are really nice to strangers.
I do like this "if it is always nice, you don't need to get it done today" theory, as it also explains the wonderful energy in Greece.
What I find, however, is quite the opposite of you, siderea. Namely, I find way to many easterners mistake indulgence for living to the fullest, mistake wild swings of excess as "living life to the lees". There is no subtlety in their passions, no savoring of their pleasures.
Having an actual 4 seasons does teach one to appreciate what is special about each one, though, that is far too true.