The Poles-our weaker points

What about the nature of the Poles, so praised by Winston Churchill during World War II? Are we still perceived as a great nation? Not necessarily. Undoubtedly, we have many character traits in our favour such as hospitality, generosity and patriotism. However, our Achilles' heel is our lack of optimism. Polish people seem to be gloomy, unenthusiastic and unfriendly. We rarely smile and have no confidence in our abilities. In the West, especially in the USA, it is standard to 'keep smiling', even in times of trouble, but in Poland most people are fatalists who prefer to complain and grouch.Moreover, we are accused of being un-enterprising and lacking in initiative. We are inclined to sit on our hands and wait for instructions rather than tackle challenges on our own. At the same time, we are envious and ready to label achievers 'thieves' and 'cheats'.

Another classic Polish vice is laziness. Most of us are loafers who do not have any sense of personal responsibility, and prefer to idle time away. Celebrating, feasting and partying seem to be more important than work and duty. Furthermore, we are not persistent enough and often do not complete the tasks which are assigned to us.

A recent opinion poll reveals that most Poles have a very poor knowledge of foreign languages. We also lack many practical skills such as operating computers, using the Internet or even a mobile phone.We are neither musical nor athletic.

At the same time, we are lousy at understanding and processing simple text messages and instructions, for example for using household equipment.

In coclusion, it seems that our ignorance reduces Poland's chances for dynamic economic growth and effective competition. If we do not change our mentality and eliminate our national faults, we will lag behind other countries in the civilisation race.