Abraham Mitrie Rihbany

Wise Men from the East and from the West: The Religious, Economic and Social Traditions of Eastern and Western Cultures Abraham Mitrie Rihbany

Sociologist and theologian Abraham Ribhany describes and contrasts the political, social and religious attitudes prevalent in Eastern and Western cultures.

Born in Lebanon, Ribhany emigrated to the USA as a young man. Impressions of both cultures and their differences were deepened as he gained experience as a translator during the Paris Peace Conference which followed the conclusion of World War I. How delegations from the east viewed the postwar situation differently from their western counterparts fascinated the author, who realized that a cultural gulf lay between the leaderships.

Noting that the East has the potential for great power and influence in future by virtue of their populations and resources, Ribhany sets out a case for greater understanding between the existing Western powers and the nations of Asia. In doing so, he compares the religious holy texts and moral values of both regions, how business and mercantile culture is conducted, and overall attitudes to the progression of society.

Finally, Ribhany gives a historical overview of times when the West and East interacted. The invasions and wars of the distant past, plus the colonialism which defined Empires, and finally the role which Eastern powers assumed amid then-contemporary post-WW1 politics.