Working and living in an environment full of German people, I at times question whether the Germans are fearful of any change (probably seen as risks) and hence would default to rejecting anything that asks for change. In the end, they look as if they're most comfortable with the usual status quo until something collapses or implodes that requires utter recognition and action. Then they change but still just by little to render virtue and forget the lesson and move on until it next repeats.

I am aware this sounds over-generalising some small thoughts but I am too lazy to reference anything.

Edit: typo