linear vs circular

In the U.S. culture of achievement, efficiency and logic are prized. In the Italian culture of aesthetics, the artful scam has its place. America acts in the belief that life is linear and leads to the realization of goals. Italy idles in the belief that life is circular and objectives an illusory distraction from pleasure.


By Roger Cohen
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/opinion/12iht-edcohen.html