Day 26 Hoi An








 Holidays are a time for reflection aren’t they? A time to question, compare and reflect on one’s self and one’s country. We read an article yesterday by George Monbiot in the Guardian talking about or explaining how a society can vote and continue to vote for people like Trump. He talked about ‘Intrinsic’ and Extrinsic personalities. Extrinsic being more individualistic seeking reward from status, material wealth and self advancement. Intrinsic personalities being more empathetic, egalitarian and community focused. One group embraces others and the other sees them as a threat to their own advancement. 

So here’s the question if this theory has any merit can a societal paradigm (commonly shared values) be generated by the actions of political leaders, in other words - how has this occurred and appears to be occurring in much of the western world.

I ask this question because it seems pertinent to our travels through Vietnam - a country at war with 2 western nations (including NZ, Australia supporting the US and France) for approaching 40 years. Yet the population are welcoming of tourist- even from those countries and do seem genuinely content and happy people. Despite the madness of the traffic, we have seen no road rage or any outward signs of anger. They are obviously less materially wealthy and their living conditions fall much below western standards but definitely a nation more at peace with themselves. So how has this societal attitudinal disposition been created.

For those of you who have skipped over my ramblings this is what we did today - a Vietnamese cookery course preceded by a short trip in some coracles. The course was fantastic because we got to eat all the delicious food; which was far far too much. We can’t wait to get the recipes so we can poison a few of those extrinsic personalities!! Only joking.



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Comments

  1. BruceFebruary 1, 2024 at 2:51 AM

    Golly, did not expect to be reading about a societal paradigm in the daily travelogue, I need to up my game in future reports! Great display of head-wear and the cookery course looks great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2024 at 6:06 AM

      I’ve been restrained so far but I’m finding answers to that age old question ‘show me where communism works?’

      Delete
  2. Dr FeelgoodFebruary 1, 2024 at 2:09 PM

    Lovely photo of you both in respective headgear!
    Currently in Italy and constantly inspired by the generosity of spirit of those that welcome others who have chosen to leave their community and can barely speak their language, but still go the extra mile - we have a lot to learn!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JimFebruary 1, 2024 at 11:53 PM

    Hey great hat Jen! Interesting breakfast reading Pete. You're better than the guardian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2024 at 12:02 AM

      Thanks Jim, a compliment indeed

      Delete
  4. SallyFebruary 12, 2024 at 2:57 PM

    Well said Dad

    ReplyDelete

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