April 27: Is He Onto Something?
REMEMBERING: On a business trip about 30 years ago, I picked up a Newsweek magazine to read in my hotel room. The cover story looked interesting. It was entitled "The Asian Century." It had to do with a prediction for the shift of the economic center of the world from America to Asia. I thought to myself, "I haven't read any good fiction lately," so I settled into the typically uncomfortable hotel chair to read.
The author explained that during the 19th century (1800-1900), the center of the economic world was in Europe. Lots and lots of "old" money fueled the European industrial community. Then, during the 20th century (1900-2000) as the industrial revolution began to gain momentum in the United States, the economic center began the shift from Europe to America. During this time many affluent Europeans either immigrated (bringing their money) or invested (sending their money) into the U.S. economy. The boom was on and Europe wanted a piece of the action. Especially after WWII, the U.S. was fast becoming the most powerful economic country in history.
What is the name of this article again? Asian Century. I wondered how far out in left field the author would go with his far-fetched ideas. Honestly, to think that any other country could possibly replace us as the center of the economic universe seemed too remote. After all, we were the country that went from Kitty Hawk to Tranquility Base in less than 70 years. No country in the history of the world had accomplished anything even close to what the U.S. had. We are the envy of every other country on the planet. My attitude was indignant at the very nerve of this guy. But, I decided to continue reading.
In order to make his case the author spent some time observing how we, the Americans, assumed our economic dominance would continue forever. He maintained that for the most part, we took too much for granted. Living "the good life," as he called it. He said we were forgetting the hard work that our ancestors had done for us to be able to enjoy our lavish lifestyles. Poppycock, I thought. Who is this little creep trying to convince, himself or someone else?
Still unimpressed with his logic, I continued to read on. However, the more I read, the more insight this guy seemed to have. I began to realize he was making sense in some of his observations. Maybe he was onto something. The article was beginning to sound reasonable, even if I didn't like it.
He was trying to illustrate how we Americans were letting our economic future slip away without realizing it. He said the Asian countries learned by imitating what we did during the last hundred years. One of the observations that he made has stuck in my mind even to this day and I will try and quote it as I remember. He said:
"The Asian countries have spent the last 50 years getting lean, industrious and smart, while during that same period of time, Americans were getting fat, lazy and stupid." I almost fell out of my uncomfortable chair. Darn it! He was making sense even if I didn't want to hear it.
Thirty years have gone by since I first read that article. And as I type this on my keyboard made in Thailand, answering my phone made in Malaysia, sipping coffee from my John Wayne cup made in China (the Duke is spinning in his grave), I think maybe the guy is on to something.
Harvey Morgan
Bullard
Bullard
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