Austrians vs. Californians through Ingrid's eyes
Austrians vs. Californians through Ingrid's eyes
Austrians vs Californians
Austrians plan things; Californians do things. Austrians have a tendency to think things over till they can think of enough reasons to drop them. Californians don’t waste time planning the details. They solve any problem along the way. This explains why Hans Maier is still re-re-redrafting plans for a house while John Smith is moving into his new mobile home. Austrians prepare to live tomorrow. Californians live today. If Hans Maier wants a new car he works excessively, quits doing anything that consumes money (which is basically everything besides working) and comforts himself with the promise of a better tomorrow. If John Smith desires a new set of wheels, he goes to the bank, gets a loan, and spends his time blissfully driving down the freeway and forgetting about the loan.Austrians fear the problems of the future, and as a result, glorify the past. Californians see the opportunities of tomorrow and forget about yesterday. Unhappy with his job, Hans Maier drowns himself in memories of past delights. In the same situation, John Smith does not waste time and energy reminiscing about past happiness. He gets a new job and feels fine again.Austrians believe in the better judgement of others. Californians believe in themselves. Originally, Hans Maier wanted to become an actor, marry a gorgeous woman, drive a Ferrari and live in Paris. But his mother told him actors were only cheap clowns. His father assured him that he would be better off without a wife. Some friends convinced him of the advantages of a Volkswagen Bug, and the media informed him that the French were snobby and arrogant. Now Hans Maier is an unmarried civil servant who drives a VW and lives in Hintertupfing. John Smith, on the other hand, is married to a living equivalent of the Barbie doll and driving a Ferrari through Paris (the loan he has successfully forgotten about). He’s still trying to make it big in showbiz – but at least he’s trying.Austrians fear the unknown and therefore conform to the norms. Californians relish the unknown and try the uncertain. Hans Maier would love to own his own business but he (successfully) reflects on his fears of going bankrupt until his negativism kills off his wish to open a business. John Smith not only starts up a business, but insists on something new and unique. He establishes the first dating service for dogs.Finally, Austrians complain about their boring, average, and indistinguishable lives and jealously look at Californians. Hans Maier only forgets (or ignores) that having an idea is not enough. You have to act upon it. John Smith did what it takes (or at least tries his best) – and so both get what they deserve. After all, as the Swiss psychiatrist C.G. Jung said, “Everything had to come about the way it did because I am as I am."
