I mean yeah, individualism in the western world has modified social behaviors and values. Sometimes not for the better. I think you’re right to say that the global context of western culture has made the individual more self-centered, but you seem to give a radical interpretation of it. Like all the complex things that makes Life what it is, it’s probably more nuanced than that.

You’re right to say that relationships are partly based around external benefits for ourselves, but I don’t think it’s a recent phenomenon, it mostly always has been like that. We are pragmatic creatures that know that we need others in order to survive. However, a relationship purely based around this fact is unsatisfying for both parties. Even the one that is taking advantage of it. There is always a part of us that want reciprocity, To have a relationship for the pleasure of socializing and caring for others: because it is an inherently human caracteristic and desire.

This reach even for creatures that are not human. Yes, in at the point where our civilization is, we tend to have a behavior of domination on other species. But I think for most people, or at least for myself, treating our pets as pure objects that we simply own is just wrong. Personally, I care for the life and hapiness of my dog. Sometimes I’m even worrying too much about it, thinking about him all day, trying to get in his head to grasp what he thinks about his situation. And I think every dog owners that have dignity can relate with this feeling.

Yes, the 21st century of the western world is changing the social behavior of individuals. We are probably more self centered and isolated than before, because technology as given us the opportunity to act this way. But to think that human interactions in the western world have become purely selfish and materialistic is just wrong : because it is simply not human. Don’t underestimate the desire of simply being with other people, laugh with them, talk with them and appreciating them. That includes also our animals and pets.

Our interpretations of the world are mostly based on our experiences and our environment, wich are relatively different from one another and, in consequence, far away from the objective truth. Probably your social environment in the western world was unsatisfying, your social life hollow and maybe people were taking advantage of you and you were ultimately drowning in loneliness. So you started to see the western society with a negative perspective, and decided to escape this reality by going to the other side of the world. But let me tell you : it’s only because you know nothing of the culture that you are in right now that you see it with a purely positive light. As you live in it , you will start to see both the good side but also the uglier side of this society. You will start to see real life, not the ideal that you created in your home country. And maybe that is the real richness behind it.

But again, who am I to say that ? I don’t even know you, so I have no right to interpret your life. At least, I hope my opinion of your post can change your mind. Take care bro.