Maybe Yes, Maybe No
When the 17th century philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal wrote: Vérité en-deçà des Pyrénées, erreur au-delà. (“There are truths on this side of the Pyrénées which are falsehoods on the other” translation, Geerte Hofstede), he wasn’t just saying that the Pyrenees mountain range accounted for the differences between Spanish and French viewpoints. He meant that truth is subjective.
In the US, we generally adhere to an “absolutist” or “Manichean” system of ethics. Behaviors are divided into right and wrong, or good and evil, and many US citizens use the Ten Commandments when they make those judgments. The eighth, “Thou shalt not lie,” applies to our perception of the truth. Philosophically, we believe lying is wrong. Perhaps that is why it is so disturbing to US executives when international associates seem to feign interest in commitments, but don’t always follow through.
Avoid “No,” “Nyet,” and “Bu!”
If you couldn’t figure it out, “Bu” is Mandarin for “No.” But whatever the language, in many cultures, bluntly saying “No” is anathema. The word itself is so widely recognized, that it has gotten English speakers who overuse it into trouble.
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World Fairs - As Art Basel prepares for its annual shows in Paris and Miami, CEO Noah Horowitz discusses the cultural and financial impact of the globe's premier contemporary art event
Art basel ceo Noah Horowitz isn’t used to doing things the old-fashioned way. Before stepping up to lead the largest, most prestigious art fair operator in the world, he was Basel’s director of the Americas, in charge of the company’s most contemporary-leaning show in Miami Beach. Now he turns his attention from one of the youngest major art cities in the world to one of the oldest: Paris.
Beyond the Beach - Why Miami's Coconut Grove is booming
Miami’s oceanfront neighborhoods may grab international attention, but other parts of town offer as much appeal. The entire city is booming with development, says Jaclyn Bild, a broker associate with Douglas Elliman who was born and brought up in Miami. “The beating heart of Miami is now on the mainland, whereas before it was all about the Beach,” she says. “Neighborhoods that have been around forever are transforming into trend centers, and others are burgeoning for the first time.”
Dry Season - How resorts and wineries are adapting their programs to attract nondrinking visitors
Resort and Spa in Napa, California, it has always been about wine—with a location just minutes from top wineries, a restaurant with an extensive wine list, and rooms looking out over working vineyards. Since its opening in 2006, it has been inherently clear that this hotel caters largely to oenophiles. But after a twoyear $25 million renovation completed earlier this year, there have been a few notable additions to the premises: new rooms, a refreshed lobby and expanded bar, as well as a newfound emphasis on speaking to a sober or sober-curious audience.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Located in Terminal 4 at LAX, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge offers a respite from the chaos of one of the busiest airports in the world.
Iberia Next Business Class
Iberia has introduced its new Next cabin across its fleet, with upgrades in all classes, including significant improvements in Business.
Il Gattopardo
With a name evoking Luchino Visconti’s 1963 film, Il Gattopardo, this London restaurant pays homage to ’60s Italy. Located on Albemarle Street, it joins the family of international luxury restaurant brands that include übersuccessful Coya, Amazónico and the intimately elegant Bar des Prés.
Bar Iris
Bar Iris is a brilliant partnership between Michelin-starred chef David Yoshimura of Nisei, a California-Japanese restaurant located next door, the late Ilya Romanov and Timofei Osipenko, who now manages this elegant space and makes sure guests have a joyful time.
MercedesBenz AMG GT 63
Mercedes has just revealed an enticing sports car to rival the class-leading Porsche 911. The new-generation AMG GT is a two-door that’s fast but crucially lacks any practicalities.
Works
How eco-friendly timber is enabling the rise of \"ply-scrapers\" around the world
Top Secret
Beyond their advertised premium tiers, airlines offer clandestine ultra-elite status to their most valued clients
