>I have known and worked with many Canadians and they seem to be much like my perception of Native Californians - at ease with themselves and his/her soundings. In fact, most people I meet from other countries seemed to be very relaxed and know how to enjoy life. I know a number of people from New York City that seem to be in a hurry even when they are sitting down. Knowing how to enjoy life is something many other cultures seem to cherish along with family values. Somehow I think we are as a nation too involved with ourselves. Basically, I think our value system is different we are dollar/materialistic oriented and most of the world is not but they may be catching up. Compare Spain from 1973 to today. What a dramatic change for a culture.

Yes, but if this is true, we are Americans different? In other words, what makes us more materialistic than other cultures?