In sports and in war, the lesson is that teamwork moves mountains and overcomes the worst obstacles.

I think a lot of what you said is true, Robert, but has any european national ever walked on the moon? Do you think any will in the next few decades? There IS something to be said for the individualistic nature of American culture- AND much to be said against it...

It is, of course, rediculous when Gates amasses 60+ billion dollars... once you have a few hundred million dollars, does it really matter if you make a billion more? At that point the only things that you can do are make more money or use your wealth for the public good... Gates does use some of his wealth for good, but christ, he could almost fund a manned mars mission! If Gates were to burn up 20 billion dollars in a bonfire would his life be any different, would the quality of life of his decendants be harmed?

Our culture turns out the most, and the best, scientists and engineers in the world... becoming a professional in the technical fields is largely an individualistic competitive process. Of course, your ultimate success is usually also determined by how you work with a team... I think the drive to excell as an individual, to be 'top dog', is present in all human cultures but far more pronounced in ours. It has benifits and drawbacks...

When I worked in France I noticed a difference in attitude- while the scientists I worked with were willing to put in whatever hours it took to get results, they seemed like an exception... when I brought up the idea that a technician work a little late everyone looked at me like I had lost my mind... I was shocked when there was a mass march of Saclay employees protesting that a 40 hour week was too long (Saclay is a French national lab- Their Los Alamos) This attitude costs other cultures productivity, but on the other hand the people I met in France on the whole seemed happier and more content than the average American.

I guess it really comes down to your personal beliefs and priorities... what is more important to you? Professional success, or just being happy- the two are usually, but not always, in conflict...

I have no judgements on either personal philosophy, both are valid and quite frankly, I haven't really settled on one or the other myself... At almost 33, I guess I should have by now.