He makes some good points, but does this only by using grave generalisations and simplifications. He talks more about how Europe should be than how it actually is. Because even though the youth here is the most European ever, there's barely anyone who calls themselves European first. I don't have 'friends from all over Europe', most people don't. The importance of nations is eroding, sure, but it's not gone yet. That might take some generations more. We're not always worrying / talking about America. Maybe when an American is in the conversation, sure... And the only people who are afraid to be patriotic are the Germans. We sure as hell don't shy away from some patriotism:
I find there is a difference between patriotism in europe (and Canada, where I'm from), and America (where I currently live, and where the author is from). When you go to the average Canadian suburb, and I feel like this holds true for many European countries as well, there are few overt signs of nationalism: no flags, no "God Save the Queen". In America, however, there is almost a competition for who can be the most patriotic, no matter what the person actually thinks of their country. There are american flags everywhere, Eagles and stars and strips on the back of trucks, "God Bless America" on every tanker truck. It's not enough to be patriotic, you have to prove to everyone how patriotic you are, every day. Sure, Canada Day is rowdy and nationalistic, so is Konigsdag, so is Bastille Day, but it's one or two days a year where there is an overt nationalism in the same way that America is every day. I think that's what the author is referring to when he refers to patriotism.
I mostly thought this part was bullshit: (yeah that's an image because for some reason I can't copy the text) No, most European countries don't shy away from patriotism because it reminds us of the Nazis. It's a more sensitive subject in Germany, for sure, but he makes it sound like there's 'MERICA PETRIOT HELL YEAH YALL or no patriotism at all. Some nuance is needed. The same goes for the identity. As much as Europe might want to be an identity, no population calls themselves European above all.
I found this paragraph and its explanation particularly insightful: "When an American says “freedom”, what we have in mind is autonomy and mobility. That’s why we love the “auto-mobile”. We stole the German internal combustion engine because we were ready for it and you weren’t. We created the first car culture in the world. You created the Autobahn, but we had the cars. So, “autonomy” and “mobility”. Our parents teach us when we’re very little, you need to be self-sufficient. The government is not going to take care of you, your neighbors may show some charity, but don’t depend on them. You are on your own, you’re responsible for your life, you’re going to learn to swim or sink, and never blame someone else for your life, your life is your destiny, you’re in charge, take control of your life. Be an island, be self-sufficient, be independent, be autonomous, be mobile, be the cowboy on the horse – now, the kid in the car. No continental parent teaches you this. They teach you that “freedom” is the quality of your relationships, your access to communities. To the extent that you have access, you have community, you have quality of relationships, you can blossom, you can flourish, you have opportunity, you have
choices." I've heard these differing ideas of freedom succinctly described as 'freedom from. X' vs. 'freedom to. Y.' It's a useful way to think about it.
I said once that everything you post dovetails incredibly with the ideas gestating in my mind on a daily basis ... this speech puts even that to shame. "We're going through a structural change in the nature of work." Cheering. Yes! All of it! The problems Europe has, the things it does better, the ascendancy of a European telecom/energy/transportation grid... the philosophical differences between growing up American and growing up European... yes! This is the future.
Not that I know of. But he released a new book based off of this speech.
Friend of a friend found this recording, it's not the same but said to be pretty close (I haven't watched it yet).
I also enjoyed his perspective on the future of capitalism (video) - you may find it insightful.