Spot on with the rise and fall. There are a lot of factors, but you've hit on 3 of the keys: healthcare, education and technology. Money and maximizing profit for the few looms large in every facet of life, to the collective demise of the middle class. I've heard it said that unfettered "Capitalism is eating itself" and I can't disagree...as a capitalist myself. Tech bro libertarian billionaires don't help matters at all, and actively undermine public discourse and trust in our institutions, and even science, to divide us and enrich themselves. I'll bite my tongue now before angering our oligarch overlords further. I think "Five Eyes" might be the connection to Oz you're looking for. That is all.
It's a symptom of a financialised, rent seeking economy that is increasingly extractive rather than productive. The whole master plan of sending all the "dirty" manufacturing jobs abroad while we all become bankers and programmers so we can sit back and be the masters of the universe and have everyone else do the work didn't work out too well, did it? Welcome to end-stage capitalism, as predicted by Marx and Lenin with eye-watering accuracy.
Other countries are finally industrializing/ developing, West is only in relative decline as in the share of world GDP. The relative status matters a lot mentally so perhaps people in the West don't feel as superior to others as before when it would have given a large ego boost.
Coming from Canada, I have seen a huge decline in the quality of life there over the past 20 years. For years I lived on a meager salary working in the hospitality industry, but I was able to afford a decent lifestyle. My bills were paid, I had a social life and I could still save some for a yearly vacation. That no longer exists there. I had to get a corporate job, earning more than I ever did before and I still was barely getting by. I got out while I could and I have no regrets. If things do not change there quickly, the decline of the west will not be a talking point for a video, but a reality that millions will have to face. I personally think the biggest issue there is the fact that people think they live in a capitalist society, but the no longer do. It is now a corporatist society and the CEO's have replaced the royalty of years gone by and now everyone there is a serf to their Corporate bosses who push for more and more work because profit rules everything. Except the profits only go to the ones at the top. The ones doing all the work and making them rich are barely getting by. We are at a crossroad and I am afraid and excited to see what happens next. All I know is that it can not be sustained as it currently is.
You have pointed out some very valid points in the differences between the East and the West, but I think this story of Western decline needs further explanation. Whereas the West indeed has to contend with a slew of challenges-from increased costs of living and social unrest to political polarization-all these are important reminders that many of these issues actually derive from structural factors that had hitherto acted as sources of strength. While living costs may be much higher in the West, these often fund extensive welfare systems, public services, and infrastructure that protect citizens in the worst of times. Conversely, while the East provides affordability, it also largely denies them security through social safety nets that provide long-term security. This is not to undermine the good work being done in countries of the East for their impressive strides in economic growth; this is just to note that the differences lie fundamentally in divergent systems of governance and priorities. Similarly, the social unrest and protests seen in the West can be interpreted as proof of an active and confident citizenry: free speech and the right to challenge authority are part and parcel of democratic life, even if they sometimes make a country appear ungovernable. In many Eastern countries, contentment is indeed a product of cultural values but also of limited political alternatives or suppressed dissent. It would have been fascinating to hear about other global influence areas in which the West is more influential. Although quite rightly the speaker mentioned that in terms of technological prowess, the gap has been pretty much closed by the East, as well as economic muscle, the West is still innovative and culturally influential, and holds a leadership in soft power. Global governance and creation of knowledge remain influenced through institutions such as NATO and the EU to global universities. Much of the economic growth of the East was harnessed through its export sector to Western markets; they are interdependent and needed one another. On healthcare and education, indeed the East stands out in regards to affordability and rigor; however, even though the expense is higher in Western medical systems, it is prominent in specialized care and scientific innovation, hence benefiting world health. While the East’s education system might stress discipline and academic successes, in the West, further creativity, critical thinking ability, and innovation are accomplished. Perhaps most importantly, this is not a zero-sum game of “decline of the West” versus “rise of the East.” We are rather facing a movement toward global multipolarity in which both can be successful and influential in different ways. The West faces genuine challenges-economic inequality, aging populations, and political polarization-but it retains remarkable strengths in its institutions, adaptability, and history of overcoming crises. Rather, this should be viewed not as a zero-sum game but rather as an opportunity for collaboration and mutual growth. The East has much to offer in terms of efficiency and resourcefulness, while the West continues to lead in innovation and global governance. Both regions have their challenges and strengths, and the future lies in how well they learn from each other.
@@ChrisLivingInYork For me I simply eat healthier, sleep better, and have a lower resting heart rate when in the East, but then I’m not thinking about NATO or the EU either which might be a factor. Good points.
During the days of the Roman Empire, there were many provinces on the periphery which we now recognise as different countries and regions of the world. Interestingly, many of those people didn't actually think of themselves as Roman or in some cases didn't even realise they were actually part of the Roman Empire because the Romans were clever and often selected local governors to act on their behalf. If you ever find yourself baffled as to why Australia's politicians act the way they do and manage to get us involved in far away business that has nothing to do with us, just remember how Rome operated vis a vis its vassal states and you'll be enlightened immediately.
Nations or people rise when they are poor and hungry. They work hard to change their situation. When they are born in opulence, they do not care much leading to their downfall. Forefathers of western countries worked hard as they were poorer but the newer generations became lazy, taking things for granted.
Controversial opinion...but the only way western countries steer away from the inevitable collapse is not by voting, taking brute force action like the French 1789. A Renaissance 2.0.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Good video
@@beckbrofanboy 🙏
@@VietnamSteve VeitnamSteve is goated🐐
@beckbrofanboy 🤣
@@VietnamSteve They aint no steve like vietnamSteve
@ 😂
All good points…..
@@darlenebuchanan6552 👍
Spot on with the rise and fall. There are a lot of factors, but you've hit on 3 of the keys: healthcare, education and technology. Money and maximizing profit for the few looms large in every facet of life, to the collective demise of the middle class. I've heard it said that unfettered "Capitalism is eating itself" and I can't disagree...as a capitalist myself. Tech bro libertarian billionaires don't help matters at all, and actively undermine public discourse and trust in our institutions, and even science, to divide us and enrich themselves. I'll bite my tongue now before angering our oligarch overlords further. I think "Five Eyes" might be the connection to Oz you're looking for. That is all.
👁️ 👁️ 👁️ 👁️ 👁️
It's a symptom of a financialised, rent seeking economy that is increasingly extractive rather than productive. The whole master plan of sending all the "dirty" manufacturing jobs abroad while we all become bankers and programmers so we can sit back and be the masters of the universe and have everyone else do the work didn't work out too well, did it? Welcome to end-stage capitalism, as predicted by Marx and Lenin with eye-watering accuracy.
Other countries are finally industrializing/ developing, West is only in relative decline as in the share of world GDP. The relative status matters a lot mentally so perhaps people in the West don't feel as superior to others as before when it would have given a large ego boost.
@@BigOil18 so true 🙏
Coming from Canada, I have seen a huge decline in the quality of life there over the past 20 years. For years I lived on a meager salary working in the hospitality industry, but I was able to afford a decent lifestyle. My bills were paid, I had a social life and I could still save some for a yearly vacation. That no longer exists there. I had to get a corporate job, earning more than I ever did before and I still was barely getting by. I got out while I could and I have no regrets. If things do not change there quickly, the decline of the west will not be a talking point for a video, but a reality that millions will have to face.
I personally think the biggest issue there is the fact that people think they live in a capitalist society, but the no longer do. It is now a corporatist society and the CEO's have replaced the royalty of years gone by and now everyone there is a serf to their Corporate bosses who push for more and more work because profit rules everything. Except the profits only go to the ones at the top. The ones doing all the work and making them rich are barely getting by.
We are at a crossroad and I am afraid and excited to see what happens next. All I know is that it can not be sustained as it currently is.
@@FrugalWanderer so true - we are on the right paths individually, simpler more sustainable
You have pointed out some very valid points in the differences between the East and the West, but I think this story of Western decline needs further explanation. Whereas the West indeed has to contend with a slew of challenges-from increased costs of living and social unrest to political polarization-all these are important reminders that many of these issues actually derive from structural factors that had hitherto acted as sources of strength.
While living costs may be much higher in the West, these often fund extensive welfare systems, public services, and infrastructure that protect citizens in the worst of times. Conversely, while the East provides affordability, it also largely denies them security through social safety nets that provide long-term security. This is not to undermine the good work being done in countries of the East for their impressive strides in economic growth; this is just to note that the differences lie fundamentally in divergent systems of governance and priorities.
Similarly, the social unrest and protests seen in the West can be interpreted as proof of an active and confident citizenry: free speech and the right to challenge authority are part and parcel of democratic life, even if they sometimes make a country appear ungovernable. In many Eastern countries, contentment is indeed a product of cultural values but also of limited political alternatives or suppressed dissent.
It would have been fascinating to hear about other global influence areas in which the West is more influential. Although quite rightly the speaker mentioned that in terms of technological prowess, the gap has been pretty much closed by the East, as well as economic muscle, the West is still innovative and culturally influential, and holds a leadership in soft power. Global governance and creation of knowledge remain influenced through institutions such as NATO and the EU to global universities. Much of the economic growth of the East was harnessed through its export sector to Western markets; they are interdependent and needed one another.
On healthcare and education, indeed the East stands out in regards to affordability and rigor; however, even though the expense is higher in Western medical systems, it is prominent in specialized care and scientific innovation, hence benefiting world health. While the East’s education system might stress discipline and academic successes, in the West, further creativity, critical thinking ability, and innovation are accomplished.
Perhaps most importantly, this is not a zero-sum game of “decline of the West” versus “rise of the East.” We are rather facing a movement toward global multipolarity in which both can be successful and influential in different ways. The West faces genuine challenges-economic inequality, aging populations, and political polarization-but it retains remarkable strengths in its institutions, adaptability, and history of overcoming crises.
Rather, this should be viewed not as a zero-sum game but rather as an opportunity for collaboration and mutual growth. The East has much to offer in terms of efficiency and resourcefulness, while the West continues to lead in innovation and global governance. Both regions have their challenges and strengths, and the future lies in how well they learn from each other.
@@ChrisLivingInYork For me I simply eat healthier, sleep better, and have a lower resting heart rate when in the East, but then I’m not thinking about NATO or the EU either which might be a factor. Good points.
During the days of the Roman Empire, there were many provinces on the periphery which we now recognise as different countries and regions of the world. Interestingly, many of those people didn't actually think of themselves as Roman or in some cases didn't even realise they were actually part of the Roman Empire because the Romans were clever and often selected local governors to act on their behalf. If you ever find yourself baffled as to why Australia's politicians act the way they do and manage to get us involved in far away business that has nothing to do with us, just remember how Rome operated vis a vis its vassal states and you'll be enlightened immediately.
@@Mortum_Rex 🤦♂️🔫
😂too many fans! Seriously?
You aren't feeling the heat yet!
🪭 🪭 🪭 🪭 🪭
one solution: Australian pension/live in Vietnam.....
@@paulmarshall7794 it’s worth a try 🙏
Nations or people rise when they are poor and hungry. They work hard to change their situation. When they are born in opulence, they do not care much leading to their downfall. Forefathers of western countries worked hard as they were poorer but the newer generations became lazy, taking things for granted.
@@HamadKiani thanks for adding your thoughts 🙏
Get an Australian pension then retire in Vietnam/Thailand, that would be a huge boost in standard of living.
Good idea 👍
Controversial opinion...but the only way western countries steer away from the inevitable collapse is not by voting, taking brute force action like the French 1789.
A Renaissance 2.0.
@@yamuiemata I hear you