I grew up in europe — france to be specific — and have rarely ever encountered creativity there.

Lets start with companies. Basically, there are no startups in France or Germany. I actually started a company in Munich Germany last year, and am one of the only internet companies in the entire country. Labor laws, and unions — yes, unions — will stop most entrepreneural efforts dead in their tracks.

Certainly, London has been a very “innovative” and “creative” place for hedge funds. But other than the money collection process, I dont see much creativity in london.

France is completely retrograde. People want the right to only work 35 hours a week. Next stop — 30 hours a week. Even french cooking has degenerated — its difficult to get a good meal in Paris these days.

Umair is smoking crack

http://ben.casnocha.com/2006/03/americaandeur.html

Ironically, because I don’t subscribe to Umair’s blog, I only saw it when I read your post.

Infuriated, I spent an hour composing my reply (http://chrisyeh.blogspot.com/2006/03/america-and-europe.html). After posting it, I then looked at Umair’s more recent post and saw your comment as well, which I wish I had seen before I wrote, so I could incorporate it as well.

Just goes to show you the need for a better way to connect together posts and comments! I know you’re out of the venture biz now, but can you holler at SixApart, etc., to do something about that?

i’ll take just one statement – “Consider how many of Hollywood’s great actors and directors aren’t American”.

That shows the power of the american dream – that anyone, from any background, (even if they have come to america from elsewhere) can with hard work and persistence and by utilizing what america provides, achieve anything.
If these people aren’t ‘american’ why aren’t they in france or britain making movies there?

In many ways america is exactly what europe is not – in america people of all countries, cultures, religions are welcome and get a fair shot at the american dream. The best and brightest people from all over the world are coming to the USA, always have.

It is interesting that while Europe is expending its genius in becoming the next source of creativity (aided no doubt by their 30-35 hr workweeks), America, China, India are going ahead with something that so lacks creativity and genius – simply transforming the world with effort, technology and innovation.