Economics and the true cultural clash

For the most part, we define what makes us happy. Most people are content to either provide love and support or to somehow better themselves physically, emotionally, economically, or spiritually. I think that a problem which many countries have with the United States is that US people mainly concentrate on personal financial betterment as a means to happiness.

Its a fact that right now the French economy is weak. Labor unions have put a near chokehold on business owners, making it difficult for them to fire unqualified employees. One might see this as a pathetic situation, thinking France a lesser country due to their economic shortcomings, but I think the French have something we lack. The French love their art. If looking at a painting, or hearing a song brings you tears of joy, than why would you strive to gain money as a way only to define your sucess and happiness. I think that Americans or a lot
of people don't understand that you can find happiness by giving love or just carefully perceiving beautiful things. There are some big generalizations in here, which maybe im not at liberty to make, in the meantime, I will try to define my own happyness.