First, let me say, that I'm not saying I'm right. This is just a thought meant for some thinking and analysis.

So here it is.

Most of us Americans pride ourselves on our better economy. We say, look at how much weaker the socialist countries of Europe are. We're so much better!"

But, why is our economy better? Because we're more work oriented. We work work work, far more than Europeans. Thus, obviously we have a better life.

The problem is, that we automatically assume, "well that means we're better off! Ha! Our lives are better!" But are we really?

What is life? Life the totallity of who you are , the people you engage with, the place where you live, and the things you do.

Take Italy. I would argue Italians...

eat better and more delicious food...
dress better...
watch better films...
date more attractive people...
live in more beautiful cities, towns, and villages...
and take more time for leisure, more time to enjoy life (this one's statistically true).

And Italy's no slouch when it comes to the country itself. They have healthcare just like everyone else, police, newspapers, fire truck, a good army, and blah blah blah.

So maybe a better economy does not make a better life?

Just a thought.

I think it's impossible to say if one is "better" than the other. In some respects we may be better, and in other respects they may be better. But really, it depends on the particular value system of the individual
Personally, I envy the fact that Europeans generally get more vacation time and have a 35 hour work week. In my view, vacation and leisure lead to a healthier mind and body.
Well, I would argue that the food where I live is extraordinary. Ever tryied authentic Cajun? But I did try some authentic Italian in Switzerland and it was very good. Yes, Italy has lots of gorgeous women I'm sure, but the southern belles 'round here will knock your socks off.

The architecture over there is spectacular. They seem to take more pride in what they build as far as aesthetic value. And they have a much older culture and history. You can sense it when visiting the smaller villages.

I have to say, there are some admirable things about Europe that I find lacking in the US. But there are some things about the US which are better than Europe, such as the wide open wilderness areas out west. It all depends on your point of view.

You're not better.

Beyond measuring 'better living' by statistical means it really depends on which culture you prefer. The North American one, or the European one. They both have their pros and cons, and I find it hard to pick one.
I personally like the European one more, but I'm slowly getting used to the N. American one again.

The criteria you are trying to argue is subjective.

When I say "better" I mean economically, militarily, and technologically.

We do work more, but we also gain more. We don't answer to other nations. Americans value independence more than Europeans do IMO. So it is worth it to us.

Some aspects of European living are probably better. But it is not worth the price they pay IMO. I would not make the same trade off.

To me the European culture seems superior but alot of that is probably becasue its exotic and new to me where as the N. America's is plain. Having said that I still would rather live here then Europe, not because of the economy or anything like, because I like being able to walk for 30 seconds and arriving at an endless forest, I like the 24 hours of daylight in the summer, I like seeing the northern lights, I basically just prefer the location.

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I can go with 1 out of 6 - native Italians do seem to enjoy life more than many people in this country (I think the average Italian work week is something like 4 hours). But outside of suits, cars and guns, there aren't many things Italian that I prefer (including women - they ain't all Monica Belluci look-alikes = women with facial hair ain't sexy, IMO).

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Eat better, maybe, I don't think they have as many fast food joints everywhere. But for more delicious food, I can't agree. I love American BBQ, I could live off pulled pork and baby back ribs .

I dunno, there is a very wide range of dressing styles Americans use, we are after all very multi-cultural.

No way I could ever agree to this. USA made the Matrix, Saving Private Ryan, Fight Club, and other films I could watch over and over.

Can't agree either, we have a mix of all races, for whatever your preference, and more population so we have a bigger pool to pick from .

I do agree, the Italian countryside is beautiful. However, in the US, we just have so much variety, from canyons to rolling plains to coast lines to forests, we have a bit of everything.

This is one I actually completely agree with. We should take more time off, and really appreciate all the things our country has to offer!

The one main thing I like about to US over European nations is that the US is made of states. Each state is so full of radically different people, customs, laws, etc. there is a place for everyone in America. For example, I live in Massachusetts now, but I don't like our pace of living, taxes, and restrictions on guns. When I grow older, I plan to move to Arizona or Texas. I can completely change my surroundings without ever leaving the country!

Its impossible to compare the US and Europe. For a start the US is one country Europe is dozens, if all of Europe was added up into a superstate, it might beat the USA economically. The thing is Europeans have basically been at war with each other for 2000 years.....Try building a good economy in that climate..........

In terms of culture id say Europe beats the USA hands down, but the USA is a new country so what do you expect????

Its interesting to look at the UK obviously European, but by contrast far more Americanised economically, like the Americans we British love to work long weeks and as a result the UK economy is probally the most successful in Europe over the last 10 years.

SORRY BUT YOUR NO. The US is filled with Puerto Rican chick, Brazilian chicks, Dominican republic chicks, mixed chicks, and the rest of the color spectrum. The United States has wide varity of things, it depend on taste, same with the way we dress. Personally i could never wear tight pants and tight shirts.

The problem with American is that they get offened when you talk to them and they come out more hostile, i know European ppl and South American ppl are the opposite.

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