"How to explain Americans"

I often feel egocentric as an American overseas, because even all the way across the Atlantic Ocean America is just constantly oozing its presence in the world.  Just posting this makes me feel like an egocentric American.  But in my defense, being on this side allows for a different perspective, one through the eyes of Europeans, or in this case, an Italian.  This NYT opinion piece is interesting and spot-on..

"Control reveals America's passion for order and predicatbility.  How-to books date from Benjamin Franklin, who was always quick to spot a market niche.  America is a nation of optimistic self-improvers, convinced that happiness is above all a question of mind over matter."  Beppe Severgnini, How to Explain Americans