The People
Dutch society is egalitarian, individualistic and modern. The people tend to view themselves as modest, tolerant, independent and self-reliant. They value education, tolerance, hard work, ambition and ability. The Dutch have an aversion to the non-essential. Ostentatious behaviour is to be avoided. Accumulating money is fine, but the gratuitous spending of money is considered something of a vice and associated by some people with being a show-off. A high style is considered wasteful and suspect with most people. The Dutch are proud of their cultural heritage, rich history in art and music and involvement in international affairs. Dutch manners are frank with a no-nonsense attitude; informality combined with adherence to basic etiquette. This might be perceived as impersonal by some other cultures but is the norm in Dutch culture. As always, manners differ between groups. Asking about basic rules will not be considered impolite.
Read more about this topic: Dutch Customs And Etiquette
Famous quotes containing the word people:
“Thou cam’st out of thy mother’s belly without government, thou hast liv’d hitherto without government, and thou may’st be carried to thy long home without government, when it shall please the Lord. How many people in this world live without government, yet do well enough, and are well look’d upon?”
—Miguel De Cervantes (1547–1616)
“There seems to be no lengths to which humorless people will not go to analyze humor. It seems to worry them.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)