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The lesson from the article isn't that every country should be a net exporter like Germany... it's that Germany has found success by focusing on producing goods
by thedaveoflife 15y ago
The lesson from the article isn't that every country should be a net exporter like Germany... it's that Germany has found success by focusing on producing goods and insuring a minimum standard of living for the middle class. While their exact situation may not be repeatable everywhere, there is certainly a lesson in their culture for other nations.
You are correct that the Germans have taken advantage of macro-economic imbalances created by the eurozone, but why was it Germany and not France or Greece that has prospered? What is unique about Germany? I would argue it is their culture of hard work, efficient businesses and financial restraint. They do things the right way... why fault them for it?
- jennyjitters 15y agoI agree that there are a multitude of factors that have led Germany to the success they currently see. They have obviously found something that works very well for them (so don't hate!). I don't ever see the US mirroring their work-ethic, but we can certainly look to them to find improvements we can make in our own country. Less consumerism is key but has become so ingrained in US culture that I'm not sure it's a feasible goal. Regardless, I commend Germany for its success.
- lispm 15y agoWe (the Germans) were told that the US people work harder. They have either well paid jobs without vacation or they have several low-paid jobs. Plus they had to be more flexible, have less protection, drive long to get to their homes in the suburbs,...