During Srimad-Bhagavatam class, which continued with the description of brahmacari life, Prabhupada explained the essential difference in attitude between the people of the East and West.

He said that human beings are thoughtful. We have developed consciousness, but when this is not applied to higher thoughts, or when there is no spiritual idea, it is misused to artificially increase the necessities of life. Nowadays even a simple action like shaving requires a machine. In the East, however, the mentality is to minimize everything.
"This is the distinction between East and West. Eastern civilization is, 'If I can lie down on the floor, where is the necessity of a bedstead or a cot?

If I can lie down, resting my head on the arms, why there is necessity of pillow? If I can, say, drink water with my palms like this, what is the use of any water pot?' Minimize. Minimize. Spiritual life does not mean artificially increasing the necessities of life."

Once again he expressed his strong disapproval of India's unfortunate plight and his sympathy for the young. "So the whole thing is topsy-turvied. We have given up our own culture and imitating the foreigners and the Western countries. That also we cannot do very properly because we are meant for a different purpose in India.

"One who has taken birth in India, it is understood that in his previous birth he tried to cultivate spiritual culture; therefore he has been given the opportunity to take birth in India. India is so fortunate. But as soon as he takes birth, the rascal leader spoils him. The rascal father spoils him. The rascal teacher spoils him.

"So what can they do, the poor younger generation? They are being taught that 'The spiritual culture is useless. Because we are so much spiritually inclined, the foreigners came and they ruled over us. Now give up all this nonsense. Become technologist.' This is going on. So this will not make us happy."

(From "Transcendental Diary" by Hari-sauri Prabhu)