The notions of the “self” differ in western and eastern cultures because individuals in each culture were raised differently. In Watters’ essay, he refers to the Americans and the Machiguenga, and how the Machiguenga thought it was ridiculous to pass up an offer of free money. The Machiguenga hardly refused the lowest possible amount of money that was offered. A second reference in Watters’ essay is that Americans show that they are fair with strangers and to punish those who are not. The Americans punished those who had good luck of getting to have the other role in the game, while the Machiguenga did not understand why they would sacrifice money to punish someone. A third reference that Watters mentioned in his essay is that the Americans were manifesting a psychological tendency that had been refined in complex market economies, which means that people are more comfortable to go out of their way to raise their voice when they feel cheated. The Machiguenga had a different history and culture, and their minds had been shaped by a cultural norm that accepting a gift could bring burdensome commitments. This essay showed that the western and eastern cultures have a different way of living and accepting gifts. It also shows that Americans want more or expect to receive more, and the Machiguenga are grateful for whatever they receive no matter the amount. Lastly, the western culture has grown to expect to have a lot given to them or to be automatically comfortable, while the eastern culture has grown to earn their keep and will accept any amount given to them.