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Trying to start a business in the UK: "What are you doing? You'll fail! You'll go bankrupt! You'll be homeless! Why don't you get a nice civil service job with a government pension?"

Trying to start a business in the USA: "Rock on, bro! You're going to be the next Zuckerberg/Gates/Bezos!"

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Failing at a business in the UK: "Told you so! And now everybody knows you're a failure."

Failing at a business in the US: "Every success has a few failures on the journey : If you have another go, it'll prove that you're a fighter!"

Succeeding at a business in the UK: "Who did you screw over to make that money?"

Succeeding at a business in the US: "Awesome! Let me pitch you my idea..."

>Trying to start a business in the USA: "Rock on, bro! You're going to be the next Zuckerberg/Gates/Bezos!"

Same person, few years later: "I don't care you are homeless and have nothing to eat. I didn't force you make stupid things. Get of my lawn, I'll have guests later!"

I'm in the USA. I generally think of Americans as incredibly selfish when compared to other cultures. But I was homeless and hungry and I've been surprised at the generosity of strangers to help me out.

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