My view of the West from the West

I suppose I can only thank everyone for their answers. It is quite a lot to take in and understand. I will look into the books and podcasts that have been recommended. I would like to give a fuller response, especially to Gordios and Promise, who obviously put quite a lot of time as well as thought into their answers, but again it is quite a lot to take in. I may yet make responses to the people who have said something in this thread, especially as I think deeper into the idea. I just thought I\'d post so everyone knew that I was paying attention and also so I could thank you all for the responses.