The article by Richard E. Nisbett and Takahiko Masuda explores the cognitive and perceptual differences between East Asians and Westerners, drawing on historical and contemporary evidence. They argue that these differences are rooted in their respective social structures and practices, which influence how they perceive and process information. Westerners tend to focus on focal objects, using formal logic to categorize and predict behaviors, while East Asians attend to broader perceptual fields, emphasizing relationships and context. These differences are reflected in various aspects of cognition, including causal attribution, reliance on logic versus dialectics, and categorization. The authors also discuss how environmental factors, such as the complexity of built environments and artistic traditions, further shape these cognitive differences. They conclude that the social and cultural contexts of East and West have led to distinct cognitive and perceptual habits, which are deeply ingrained and influenced by historical and economic factors.The article by Richard E. Nisbett and Takahiko Masuda explores the cognitive and perceptual differences between East Asians and Westerners, drawing on historical and contemporary evidence. They argue that these differences are rooted in their respective social structures and practices, which influence how they perceive and process information. Westerners tend to focus on focal objects, using formal logic to categorize and predict behaviors, while East Asians attend to broader perceptual fields, emphasizing relationships and context. These differences are reflected in various aspects of cognition, including causal attribution, reliance on logic versus dialectics, and categorization. The authors also discuss how environmental factors, such as the complexity of built environments and artistic traditions, further shape these cognitive differences. They conclude that the social and cultural contexts of East and West have led to distinct cognitive and perceptual habits, which are deeply ingrained and influenced by historical and economic factors.