However, based on the hundreds of German geniuses and innovators, Albert Einstein being one, I also knew that Germany was a very accomplished, intelligent and proud country that valued efficiency high among the virtues. Socialism was another factor I did not fully understand the benefits of, except that this meant that healthcare was universal. Socialism was one area that I was very intrigued to learn more about and to experience this mindset of benefitting all people in contrast to the main tendency in the West, which is to have a very individualist mindset.
Arriving in Germany, I was surprised to understand the depth of the culture and to learn how much these people endured over the centuries. Despite the Nazi years of propaganda, the German people today are critical and logical thinkers, especially the younger generation who seek to analyze information. Protests are common even in our small city of Greifswald to bring attention to the issues such as climate change and challenge policy further. In my interactions with the German people I learned they valued family and community extremely well. The saying is that once you have a German friend you will have them forever; they are intentional with wishing you happy birthday or even just checking in on you. I have experienced this with a wonderful friend who seems to really be consistent on reaching out each month even though she is terribly busy. Another piece of the culture I was not expecting is that the aftermath of the war shifted the mindset of the military. For many, they look down upon becoming a soldier in contrast to in the U.S. where we honor our military and encourage people to enlist This is not the case in Germany.
