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The Geography of Thought
288 pages, 2004
A “landmark book” (Robert J. Sternberg, president of the American Psychological Association) by one of the world's preeminent psychologists that proves human behavior is not “hard-wired” but a function of culture. Everyone knows that while different cultures think about the world differently, they use the same equipment for doing their thinking. But what if everyone is wrong? The Geography of Thought documents Richard Nisbett's groundbreaking international research in cultural psychology and shows that people actually think about—and even see—the world differently because of differing ecologies, social structures, philosophies, and educational systems that date back to Ancient Greece and China. As a result, East Asian thought is “holistic”—drawn to the perceptual field as a whole and to relations among objects and events within that field.
In The Geography of Thought, Richard Nisbett explores the fascinating differences between Eastern and Western thought processes. He suggests that our culture significantly influences how we perceive the world, solve problems, and make decisions.
Nisbett digs into the roots of these differences, tracing them back to ancient Greek and Chinese philosophies. He finds that these ancient beliefs still shape our modern thinking patterns, showing how deeply our culture impacts our minds.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of context. Nisbett shows that while Westerners tend to focus on individual objects, Easterners see things in relation to their surroundings. This difference in perspective can lead to different conclusions and decisions.
The Geography of Thought also explores how culture influences our approach to logic and reasoning. Nisbett finds that Westerners often use formal logic, while Easterners rely more on experiential knowledge. This difference can lead to unique insights and innovative solutions.
Finally, Nisbett's research has significant implications for cross-cultural understanding. By recognizing these differences in thought processes, we can better understand and appreciate other cultures. This can lead to more effective communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.
