In "The Geography of Thought", Richard E. Nisbett explains how cultural backgrounds shape the way people think. He contrasts how Westerners (mostly from Europe and North America) and Easterners (especially from East Asia) perceive and process the world differently. Nisbett argues that these differences come from deep-rooted cultural and historical influences, such as ancient Greek philosophy promoting individualism in the West and Confucianism fostering a collective mindset in the East.

Westerners tend to focus on objects and individuals, thinking in terms of categories and rules. In contrast, Easterners often see the world more holistically, emphasizing relationships, context, and the bigger picture. Nisbett illustrates how these cognitive differences influence not only everyday thinking but also problem-solving, logic, and even scientific approaches.

The key takeaway is that by understanding these different ways of thinking, people can work better together across cultures. Recognizing these patterns can help improve communication, avoid misunderstandings, and foster collaboration between people from different cultural backgrounds.