Americans excel in some fields, like movies and software, but lag behind in crafting cars and cities. This may be due to their impatience; in America, just doing something quickly takes precedence over meticulous planning or refined design.
The success of software and movies can be attributed to their malleable nature. Good craftsmanship in these fields involves working fast, allowing for constant changes and innovation. However, this approach doesn't translate well to physical products like cars and cities, where attention to detail and good taste matter more.
The Japanese excel in design and craftsmanship, which is evident in their cars and other products. They care deeply about making things well, while Americans often settle for crude yet functional results. American car companies, for instance, focus on what marketing people think consumers want, leading to uninspired designs and a loss of market share.
Apple stands out as a counterexample to the American trend. Their CEO's obsession with good design sets them apart in the consumer electronics business. The satisfying experience provided by their iPods surprises users, thanks to the attention to detail that only a great designer can provide.
When it comes to cities, America's approach falls short, resulting in exurbs that lack appeal and charm. The just-do-it model has its advantages for generating wealth and technical innovations, but it doesn't necessarily produce aesthetically pleasing environments. However, there's hope for reconciling both approaches, as Apple has shown in their software and product designs.
In the future, national characters may give way to occupational characters, allowing each kind of work to embrace the methods that work best. This way, the impatient and innovative spirit that drives American software and movies can coexist with an insistence on taste and craftsmanship, creating a harmonious balance between the two. Ultimately, the most successful countries will be those willing to adapt their approaches based on what works best in each context.