In other countries, the emphasis on self-reliance has been beaten down by nanny states and entitlement cultures. Just take a look at Australia and Canada, for example. The Aussies have 20 million people to draw from. Canada has 30 million. Yet the Aussies have 35 Olympic medals, Canada just five.
"Talking Points" believes this is reflective of the systems in those countries. Australia is a place where self-reliance is emphasized and competition is celebrated. Canada has become increasingly socialistic, as big government programs ensure everyone is marginally taken care of. I may be wrong here, but I see the entitlement culture as a force against self-discipline and motivation.
Wow. I didn't know about this entitlement culture stuff. Seems to me that the Australian athletes (high level, at least), were given a lot of public funding in the last decade to lead up to the 2000 games, and did very very well.
Canadian athletes get little funding both privately and publicly (right?). Thus, they can't exactly train full time without living below the poverty line - thus can't do as well, right?
Perhaps entitlement in conjunction with self-dicipline and motivation works very well?
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