American Interest in Eastern Thought Essay by Master Researcher

This paper will argue that Americans' increasing interest in Eastern religion/philosophy - often at the expense of established religions - reflects a deeper transformation in American society during the modern era. As the educational standards and economic prosperity of Americans increased, so too did their dissatisfaction with this same materialism and the institutions (established religions / government) associated with it. When the "baby boom" generation finally assumed a dominant role in American society, their counter-cultural values - living in the moment; personal spirituality, not structured orthodoxy - became mainstream American culture, setting the stage for our renewed engagement with Eastern religion/philosophy in the twenty-first century.