East and west –classical terminals of the journey of Sun, have become

symbols of two rich and varied groups of civilizations. Can we compare them
on some terrain? Let’s give it a try.

Contemporary literature is an important aspect of comparison between east

and west. While several Asian writers have made a foray into English
literature, authors in local languages are no less talented. While the west
boasts of excellent writers like Henning merkell, and Dan Brown, several
other western writers like khalied hosseni are actually émigrés from the east.
Writers from the east include prominent names like Aravinda Adiga and
Arundhati Roy.

The style and content of writing in the east varies from the west on several
counts. Let us take some examples. Several successful writers from the East
like Khalid hosseini, Arundhati Roy and Aravinda adiga are acclaimed for their
portrayal of the sorrows, oppression and tragedies of the East. In contrast,
themes of heinous crimes, cutting edge technology and latest methods of
medical and criminal diagnosis are the themes preferred by several popular
contemporary writers of the west like Henning merkell and Dan brown.

Sports is probably the only area where several eastern countries like china
give a tough competition to Western behemoths like the United States and
several European nations. Although the Indian sub-continent is far behind in
sports, China and Korea more than make up for it.

Education is an equally important issue. Several Eastern countries abound in

talent, yet, due to lack of proper infrastructure and opportunities or political
scenarios, such talent is wasted on a large scale. Other option for such
talented people is to immigrate to countries with more favourable
environment. However, the inclination towards learning is seen more in the
east like in India, China and Japan.

Spiritually, the East has always led the West. Buddha, Confucius, Swami
Vivekananda and several others have trod the path of enlightenment and
shown the way to others. In stark contrast, the West, although blessed with
several spiritual leaders, continues to struggle to find some spiritual guidance
in this era of mindless violence.

This brings us to terrorism. The East and the West perceive terrorism in
entirely different lights. Several Eastern and Middle-Eastern countries
continue to terrorise their neighbours over territories, religion or resources.
Religion or ethnicity is the cloak for most of them. However, the west does
not see much terrorism based on territories. Rather, the main culprits are
religious differences and political or monetary gains.

So, what do you think? Isn’t there some beauty in the diversity of the human
race? Aren’t we so different, yet, very similar?