3. Progress– Americans believe that both societal and personal progress are virtues which are ‘natural’ and to be encouraged. Continual education and self-improvement are vital to prolonged success. Many Chinese, by comparison, seem more content living in the ‘now’ and accept their circumstances with dignity.
4. Competition – Competition is the virtue that leads to action, achievement, and eventually success – in particular material success, the foundation of American societal pride and wealth. While the competitive spirit is certainly developing rapidly in China, the middle kingdom has historically focused on other virtues.