I ofter think about the fundamental difference in outlook between Americans and Europeans. Americans have a can-do attitude that leads them to try harder, and Europeans a jaded cynicism that leads us to not try hard enough. Then again, no amount of trying harder in the wrong direction will lead to success [see Iraq], but if you don't try you won't accomplish anything.

These attitudes get forged in the educational system. I very often had to tell my American students (to their disbelief) that no, you don't get "points for effort" if the effort is misdirected.

Those whom the Gods wish to destroy They first make mad. -- Euripides