“The West thinks of itself as probably the most cosmopolitan of all cultures. But it’s not. In many ways, it’s the most parochial. Because for 200 years, the West has been so dominant in the world, that it has not really needed to understand other cultures, other civilizations, because at the end of the day, it could, if necessary by force, get its own way. Whereas those cultures, virtually the rest of the world, in fact, which have been in a far weaker position vis-à-vis the west, have been forced to understand the West, because of the West’s presence in those societies. And as a result, they more cosmopolitan in many ways, than the West.”

Watch it now: Understanding the Rise of China, by Martin Jacques (via Ted). Quote taken from approximately 14:50.