What Makes America So Successful?
As someone who is starting out in the world of business, it would prudent for me to find out why America is the most successful country in the world if I want to succeed. I'd be hard pressed to find any nation that comes close to this country when it comes to making money.
I can pin point so many things that make this country great but I think everything stems from the people in this country. And I believe this can be traced back to when this nation was founded more than 200 years ago.
Some people may call it greed, others may call it arrogance but I think the can-do attitude of the average American is what has driven this country to what it is today.
Simply put, everything is a choice in this country. Even something as inevitable as death is a choice.
This may explain why Americans have a hard time admitting failure and are quick to blame others for their failures. In their minds, one can choose between failure and success. And since nobody chooses failure, it must be someones (other than yourself) fault.
The whole notion is founded on the belief that you have only one life to live, and it is up to you to get it right. Everyone is supposed to hold their life in their own hands. And if one fails, it is because they are not trying hard enough.
My views may be wrong but this is what I have observed during the period that I have lived in this country.
7 comments:
Like you regular Joe, I have spent some time examining this question. The constitution of this great country has a lot do with it as much as the people. The rule of law and the reward for those who risk and are innovate (Think Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Ted Turner, Google founders and so many countless more). But that is not the only thing....you see during the second world war, while Europe was crumbling and set back several decades, America thrived and set a course that not only saved the old world but ensured that it stayed ahead for the next 50 years. Hitherto, the education system that focused on math and sciences also ensured that America continued to develop the best products and services. The previously mentioned respect for law ensured that intellectual property rights were protected and reward for risk and innovation ensured that the innovators were handsomely rewarded creating wealth for the rest of the country, particularly the middle class that consume these products & services. There are many factors but I think these are some of the few fundamentals. So regular Joe, your new business rests on these shoulders where your ideas are protected, where society rewards risk, where there are countless support structures for small businesses,where you're guaranteed no one will ask you for a bribe to get your business license etc... Let me finsih this by saying that what has made America successful in the past may not what keeps it there. Don't get me wrong, right now She is still the greatest country in the world but China and India are not too far off, despite their challenges. With huge populations and education systems that focuse on maths and sciences, they are soon catching up by following and in most cases copying America's lead
Ssem,
You are right on queue. It goes back 200 years ago. Some people decided not to think of themselves but others. Who said "give me liberty or give me death?"
Compare this attitude with that of the so-called leaders in our homeland.
Ssem, To me, ironic as this may sound, the success is owed to the 'relative' absence of government.
The geographic size of the place has lead to a rather efficient government structure that does not lead to unwarranted and excessive conflict between the government and the citizens; this 'space' fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and in turn the success of the nation.
The US had George Washington - a Gentleman Farmer - who 'retired' after one term. And refused to be crowned 'King'.
Kenya had uber land grabber & top thief - kamau wa ngengi (aka crooked was ngengi aka jomo kenyatta).
America is successful because her 'world-class' infrastructure allows her markets to work.
And while the rest of the world have in the past taken "discovery," [Scientific, economic, or otherwise]as a badge of honor— better shown off as a "lapel pin;" America has always treated "discovery" as a moment to churn a "dime a dozen." And the loop takes us back to markets that work.
Therein lies the differentiator.
"discovery," [Scientific, economic, or otherwise]as a badge of honor— better shown off as a "lapel pin;" America has always treated "discovery" as a moment to churn a "dime a dozen."
Very on point.
Excellent view points. I couldn't agree more.
I'm comforted by the fact that the American environment is conducive for business.
Post a Comment