Cultural Assumptions in C hina and the U nited S tates

Abstract

Abstract Both Chinese and Americans accept cultural assumptions that are sometimes similar and often different from each other. Foundational concepts derive in the Chinese context from such ancient individuals as Confucius in his Analects with an emphasis on benevolence ( ren ) and ritualistic and moral behavior ( de and li ). Despite cultural lapses during the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, ancient Chinese philosophies' logic stressed implicit, ritualistic, and harmonious behavior. Over time, Chinese logic became more intuitive, circular, and high context. Confucianism remains a current major cultural assumption for Chinese citizens, including the youth today. Based originally on the Greco/Roman/Judao/Christian philosophical tradition, Western, and especially American, cultural assumptions and values stress democracy, freedom, independence, truthful discourse, wisdom, ideal knowledge, justice, happiness, rule of law, and the good life. John Locke had a profound influence on the Western perspective, contributing ideas that were foundational to Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, the American Constitution, and the French Revolution's views of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Jefferson essentially copied Locke's views of humans' highest rights and values: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Although the influence of religious traditions and beliefs significantly continue an ongoing decline in Western and American society, the Bible remains the best‐selling book in the United States and it has an important influence in American life, including religious assumptions and traditions.