歐洲經濟最強的德國，當地人愛攀比嗎?

德國是歐洲經濟的領頭羊，長期吸引著大量的人才前往就學或工作。最近有一位來自上海的朋友最近剛從德國回來，卻抱怨不已。他對德國的印象感到非常失望，因為發現許多地方都像農村，與上海那座高樓林立的城市形成鮮明的對比。

更讓他感到困惑的是，德國人對外表不太講究，穿著相當隨便，幾乎看不到名牌衣物或昂貴包包。這種現象和BMW、賓士等德國高級汽車品牌有很大的落差。即便在商展上，他發現當地企業的女高管們也背著非常普通的包包，市價應該都不超過8000台幣。

在德國，財富並不容易以外表來判斷。人們普遍低調，不喜歡炫富，這種態度與他們世界著名的高品質汽車製造業形成鮮明的對比。他在與當地人交往時發現，人不會因為穿著高貴而在社會上受到特殊對待。每逢周一，德國企業的同事們都會互相分享週末的快樂時光，精神層面是不可或缺。花時間與家人共度和保持生活充實的重要性要遠高於長時間在辦公室加班。

相比之下，華人社會似乎永遠在追求財富和社會地位，比較誰更有錢，全家住在哪個社區，孩子念哪間名校，丈夫在哪家公司上班跟年收入多少。這種社會壓力使人難以快樂的學習或工作。

德國經驗提醒我們，應該反思如何更有效率地工作，而不是無止境地要求員工加班。在台灣有許多人總是拼命學習，追求進入醫學院或從事高壓的電子業工作，然後背負長達20年以上房貸跟支付子女念到大學的費用，直到退休後才開始計劃旅行，卻發現自己身體已經不如以前。從外國人的角度看，他們認為亞洲人似乎不太懂得享受生活。

這種文化差異提醒我們，財富和物質享受固然重要，但精神層面的滿足和家庭幸福同樣重要。應該思考如何在工作和生活之間取得平衡，追求一種更有意義和快樂的生活方式。不要讓社會的壓力和追求財富的渴望妨礙真正享受生活的樂趣。

Title: Contrasting Attitudes Towards Wealth: A Reflection on German and Chinese Societal Values

Germany, the economic powerhouse of Europe, has long been a magnet for talents seeking education or employment opportunities. However, a recent returnee from Germany, originally from Shanghai, expressed disappointment with his experience. He found many areas resembling rural landscapes, starkly different from the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai.

What perplexed him even more was the Germans' seemingly indifferent attitude toward appearance. The locals dress casually, rarely showcasing luxury brands or expensive handbags, a sharp contrast to the renowned German luxury car brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Even at business events, he observed female executives carrying remarkably ordinary bags, with an estimated market value not exceeding 8,000 TWD.

In Germany, wealth is not easily judged by appearances. People are generally modest, avoiding ostentatious displays of affluence—a stance that sharply contrasts with their globally acclaimed high-quality automobile manufacturing industry. Interacting with locals, he discovered that individuals aren't treated differently in society based on their attire. Sharing happy moments from the weekend and prioritizing a fulfilling family life on Mondays are valued over flaunting one's financial status.

In comparison, Chinese society often appears to be in a perpetual pursuit of wealth and social status. Constant comparisons are made regarding who is wealthier, which community one resides in, where children go to school, and the husband's workplace and income. This societal pressure makes it challenging for individuals to find joy in learning or working.

The German experience prompts us to reflect on how to work more efficiently rather than endlessly demanding overtime from employees. In Taiwan, many people strive relentlessly to excel academically, pursue careers in high-pressure industries, and carry the burden of a mortgage for over 20 years, only to start planning travel after retirement, realizing their health isn't as robust. From a foreign perspective, Asians seem to struggle with embracing the pleasures of life.

This cultural difference serves as a reminder that while wealth and material comforts are important, spiritual fulfillment and family happiness are equally significant. It's crucial to contemplate how to strike a balance between work and life, seeking a more meaningful and joyful lifestyle. Don't let societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of wealth hinder the true enjoyment of life's pleasures.