I’ve always been fascinated with the fundamental difference between Eastern and Western philosophy.
Here I’m listing down the key differences between the Eastern and Western philosophy and my take on them.

Principles:

East: Life is a circular journey. You can’t escape from your action. The real goal is self-liberation.

West: Life is linear. If there is a beginning then there is an end. The goal of life is self-appeasement.

Need of human is unlimited. Can we ever appease ourselves? No. Thus appeasing self is not a worthy pursuit. It is only when we liberate ourselves from the circle of need, we can achieve peace.

Leadership:

Eastern philosophy says leader should be behind the people, so that if anybody falls behind then leader will take care of him. East says ‘your work should talk for you’.

Western philosophy says leader should lead from the front and leader should differentiate himself from the rest. West puts a huge premium on talk.

After living in western society for so long, I do feel that ‘talk’ is the most important aspect of leadership; even through it is just hollow. I can’t think of a better example than Obama, who talked his way to be the president of USA.

Success:

East says success is spiritual. Discovering self is the greatest success. East asks us to give up everything to get everything. Success is not material.

West links success to material i.e. money, house, car and holiday. West asks us to work hard, play games and build an empire.

We come to this world empty handed and we will go empty handed. All we can leave behind is a legacy. In hundred years, history will judge whether we are successful or not. Benjamin Franklin Jr., Gandhi etc are regarded as the most successful in last century yet they were never been materially rich.

Work:

East asks us to dissociate self from work. Working without an expectation is the true work as per the Gita. Work is selfless dedication.

As per Western philosophy work is all about result and benefit. West asks us to merge play and work and keep working till we get the material we want.

Human is a selfish animal. Unless there is benefit, it is difficult to strive. Eastern philosophy is grand in its vision yet not practical. If we follow Eastern philosophy we can build a heaven on earth but alas most of us don’t deserve it.

Win and achievements:

East says the greatest win is the win against self. So the real win is with in. You can conquer the world but unless you conquer yourself you can’t win the battle.

West says win is outside. Name, fame and glory are the buzz words of a grand win.

Name, fame and glory are as short lived as human memory is. A lasting legacy won’t be possible if we chase name, fame and glory. Who can beat Marline Monoro or Madona in fame? But what is their contribution to this world? I guess not much. So they will fade away. Leaders who conquered self have conquered the world and outlived themselves.

Individualism:

East thinks every person is connected to the rest. So collectivism is the essence. Individualism should be manifested through collectivism.

West thinks individualism is the essence of life. Collectivism should be expressed through individualism.