The Case for Defending Western Civilization

Recently, one of my brothers and I exchanged views on a variety of matters, including the standard by which to define excellence. His view was that it had largely been defined by Western European standards in the United States. Without boring readers with the overall exchange, I believe it is fair to say his clear inference was that this approach was too narrow and limiting, as well as falling short of being sufficiently respectful and appreciative of other cultures.

Setting the Stage for the Debate

This column outlines the contours that I believe should be used to guide the discussion. In the future, we will delve into particular aspects and statistics that surround given matters. Another way of saying it would be, this column is not full of numbers and quotes from experts. That comes later.

The “Compared to What” Test

The argument is not that Western Civilization has not had its bad moments. It has. On the other hand, another family member, our late father, was fond of saying “compared to what” when one of us said something was bad, wrong, or terrible. Applying this model of comparison, my argument is that Western Civilization has created more positive results for more people than any other cultural tradition.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Too often, this general discussion has been described as being between those who want to look back and those who want to look forward. That is incorrect. Instead, the struggle is between what is the best way to look in both directions—with a qualified pride in our culture or apologizing for it. Without hesitation, I believe that Western Civilization is worth the fight to preserve.

A Call for Honest Comparison

Before we abandon Western Culture in the name of tolerance, love, and kindness, perhaps we ought to do two things. First, a little bit of comparison is in order. Second, beyond some strong progressives at home, who else is it that desires us to lose our traditional identification, and why is that?

Understanding Cultural Categories

While there is more than one way to name and divide categories of culture, the principal categories would be African, Asian (Eastern Asia, especially China), Islamic, and Western (the Americas and Europe). We can quibble if these divisions are precise or not. However, the basic contours are not going to change. You can be sure these other cultures spend little time worrying about deferring to Western Culture in their countries.

Measuring Living Standards

Which culture is that has produced the highest standard of living? According to ChatGPT, “the institutional framework that emerged in Western Europe and North America has produced the highest sustained living standards for large populations so far.”

What Defines Western Culture

Western cultures are ones defined by: (1) market economies and capitalism, (2) rule of law and property rights, (3) political populism and representative government, (4) scientific and technological culture, and (5) broad education.

The Outcomes Speak for Themselves

So, what sort of outcomes does this produce? Pretty good, if statistics count more than hollow rhetoric. Whether it is (1) per capita GDP, (2) median household income, (3) life expectancy, (4) educational attainment, or (5) economic mobility, Western Culture laps the field. I argue this is a fair and proper set of measurements to make evaluations, ones that do not inherently favor one culture over another. It is worth mentioning this is not to say it is the United States that is at the top of the heap each time.

Why These Results Occur

These results are attributed to (1) a strong education system, (2) high social trust, (3) competitive markets, (4) lower inequality at the starting point, and (5) stable institutions.

Is Western Culture Perfect?

Is Western Culture perfect? Absolutely not. By any definition, is it superior to any other culture, as measured against the criteria mentioned above? Yes, it is. What other criteria to evaluate matters would be superior?

Evidence Beyond the West

As an aside, others who have embraced the characteristics of Western Culture—Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore—have enjoyed its benefits, if measured by the metrics above. In other words, these benefits are not a matter of race. In fact, when it comes to life expectancy, these Asian nations are at the top.

Learning From Other Cultures

Does this mean we should not welcome those who come from other cultures? It does not. Can we benefit from aspects of these other cultures? Yes, we can, as has been the case for a long time. If history is a precursor to the future, you can bet the ranch we will continue to embrace (some might say steal) what is good about other cultures as we move forward. That does not require that we abandon that which defines Western Culture.

A Practical Path Out of Poverty

We already know if you do three things—graduate from high school, wait until graduating before marrying, and wait to have children until you are married—you have a 97-98 percent chance of living above the poverty line in the United States. Maybe it’s time to put a priority and a premium on making sure this is known to children. If a ten-year old confidently tells their parents to fasten their seat belts and not smoke, it does not seem unreasonable to believe these three things can be taught and learned. This is true for any and all who live in the United States.

Standing Firm Without Apology

We should reject the idea that sticking to our guns on what sets Western Culture apart is somehow an insult to others. The same holds true for what was earlier mentioned as the attributes that define our culture. The results speak for themselves.

Who Benefits From Western Decline?

So, let’s close our eyes and imagine, given the results, who might, just might, have an interest in seeing our culture fall apart. If you use something such as who is expending time and money to protest against Western Culture in the United States and Western Europe, arguing our culture needs to be defeated by changing the nature of our basic institutions (academia, corporate media, government itself, the judicial system, and the world of entertainment), the answer is pretty clear—China, Russia, and Iran.

There is little serious debate over whether these three countries desire to see the United States and Western Europe (the heart of Western Culture and Civilization) overtaken by their cultures. At this point, can anyone seriously debate this assertion?

Why Western Civilization Still Matters

We know Western Culture, with its faults, as measured against the alternatives, produces the best results. Unless someone is arguing that the basis for these measurements (per capita GDP, median household income, etc.) is not the way to make these sorts of evaluations, then there should be no reservation in proudly standing up for our culture.

Remember this: You do not have to be perfect to be the best. I say Western Civilization should be protected and defended, while honoring and respecting the cultures of others. What do you think?