Moderation, frugality, and self-discipline. I came across a quote this morning from this article and thought it was quite the observation:

…but it occurs to me that the Netherlands is a great example of a prosperous culture in which modesty and frugality are deeply embedded in the national psyche. They may not have religion any more in Holland, but they are faithful to the ideal of unostentatious living, and self-discipline. As I always tell people, the reason soft drug legalization can work in Holland but would be a big problem in America is the same reason that all-you-can-eat pizza buffets wouldn’t work in Holland. It goes deeply against the grain of the culture.

A more interesting question: Christianity has played a very influential role in Holland’s past. Could it be that current cultural values of moderation, frugality, and even humility find thier roots in this religious past? But if this is true, then why is it that in America, which is currently a very religious nation, the cultural norm is excessive consumerism, materialism, and ostentatious behavior? Fascinating.