Good News: Intellectuals, Freethinkers and Freespirits will be Happier in Europe than in America. Here's why.
Here is something interesting that is not usually pointed out. Freethinkers, intellectuals and deep thinkers tend not to like America, because American culture is predicated on a great deal of fakeness, phoniness, hype, lies and illusion, all of which are pet peeves to deep thinkers, who are able to see through these things. They tend to prefer Europe, where the cultures are more conducive to being intellectual, philosophical and genuine, and the people tend to be more authentic, down-to-earth, open-minded, friendly and social. Europeans also tend to prefer substance, not flash, whereas Americans go for the latter.
So the good news for freethinkers and intellectuals is that they will be a lot happier in Europe than in America. They will feel more at home and validated for who they are, and have a far easier time meeting new people, making friends, having fun and getting dates. Here are the reasons why:
1. People in Europe are more open-minded, more curious and more attracted to novelty. Being naturally curious, they have a wider variety of interests and are more broad-minded. Thus they will be on a more compatible wavelength with a freethinker and vibe better with them. This is true of European females too, who are more open-minded, mature and down-to-earth than their American counterparts. They also try to learn from those who are different than them, such as foreigners. So differences garner curiosity from Europeans, whereas in America, differences are seen as a negative thing and divide people. If you are different from others in America, you are shunned and ostracized, and seen as weird. You won't be met with curiosity or fascination. Thus being different can be more of a positive factor in Europe, rather than a negative one like in the US.
2. Europeans are more apt to having deep conversations about life, philosophy, history and culture. Believe it or not, having deep discussions in pubs is normal and common in Europe, whereas in America it would definitely be abnormal and weird to try to have deep/intellectual discussions in a bar or pub. This is even true of young people and young women as well, which act much more mature and down-to-earth than their American counterparts. In general, having meaningful substantive discussions is the norm and common in European societies. So overall, a freethinker will connect better in Europe and feel more at home.
But in America, people are more superficial and prefer talking about something polite and meaningless, like the weather. Talking about something deep and intellectual with mainstream Americans feels awkward and beyond their scope. After all, Americans tend to prefer flash over substance, whereas Europeans prefer the latter.
In fact, even some of America's founding fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were happier in Europe, because they were intellectual geniuses and felt more intellectual stimulation and connection there than in America, which was lacking in those areas. This is evident from their diaries and journals, which PBS biographical documentaries about their lives have noted. So even in the 1700's, America was not the place for intellectual types. Historically, America's immigrants came only to make money and obtain private land, not for social connection or intellectual stimulation.
3. The social atmosphere is more inclusive, friendly and sociable. People do not live in fear and are not paranoid of strangers. They are more comfortable and relaxed about meeting new people. So they will engage you more easily, even if you're alone. Social interaction is much more smooth and natural. Thus one can go out alone and meet people easily, even in casual public settings such as in a park or cafe. You can't do that in the US though, where if you go out alone, you will stay alone, so if you don't have a pre-existing clique, you are screwed and look like a loser.
4. In Europe, people have richer souls, and are more authentic and down-to-earth. So if you are the same way, you will feel "surrounded by real souls". Thus you not feel alienated or isolated, even if you are sitting alone and drinking coffee at a cafe by yourself. That's the beauty of it. You are surrounded by your own kind, so the depressing empty feeling you get in America isn't there anymore. Since people are more genuine and down-to-earth, you don't have to act fake around them, like you feel compelled to do in America.
5. The cultures in Europe are more interesting, stimulating and attractive. So you feel more stimulated and excited in them. European cultures are "food for your soul". They are full of rich history, art, beauty, music, cuisine, creativity, legends, aesthetic beauty, soul, passion, romance, cathedrals, etc. This is reflected in the architecture too, such as in the Old Towns and historic areas, as we all know. A country's architecture reflects its culture and people, so in this case it speaks volumes.
In contrast, US architecture tends to be bland and soulless, especially in the suburbs and strip malls, and designed for efficiency only, not aesthetics. That's because in the US, you are only supposed to care about working and consumerism, not about having a rich soul. That's why the US feels so empty and depressing for those with rich souls, like me. The cookie cutter buildings in the US indirectly tells you that life in the US is all about conformity, efficiency and obeying every little rule without joy, passion, love or freedom.
6. The vibe and energy in Europe feels more fun, open and freespirited. Thus it energizes you and makes you feel good, especially if you are freespirited and fun loving. It's food for your spirit and feels healthy. Hence it's better for your mental health which affects your physical health as well. And it make you want to go out more too. In contrast, the vibe in America feels uptight, negative, paranoid, antisocial, repressed, and stressful. It tries to suck out your soul and deflate you and bring out the worst in you. It makes you feel reclusive like you don't even want to go out because it's pointless to.
Life in the US makes you feel full of angst, tension and stress, like you're about to lose it. So many people go psycho and crazy in America. Even the World Health Organization reports that America has the highest rate of mental illness in the world, and the highest rate of antidepressant use, as well as the highest rate of psychiatric visits. And many immigrants in the US report feeling lonely and stressful, not free or happy at all. So you see, the vibe and energy of a culture is very important and affects your mental and physical health. And Europe provides a refreshing contrast to the US in this regard.
7. Fun activities and cultural events are more frequent and inclusive in Europe. You will have more fun than you ever had in America. There are always cultural events going on around town, even in a small town. And you can always join in, celebrate and party with others, without feeling awkward around strangers. There is a feeling of inclusiveness in such social activities that you could never dream of in America. Trust me, I've experienced it and can personally attest to this. You will truly be amazed. Also, holiday celebrations tend to be stretched out over several days. Even Mother's Day is celebrated for several days with festivities, performances and events, not just one day like in the US.
Note: The above attributes of Europe apply to Russia too. However, I do not mention Russia because although it is a very fun, exciting and dynamic country, it is also more dangerous, has a higher crime rate with muggings and scams, and is more of a hassle to get into because you have to buy a visa to enter the country. But Russia is a very exciting and soulful culture, so if you don't mind braving the risks, I would say go for it.
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