> Finally, finally, after almost a decade abroad, my husband and I decided we needed to go home to see what home felt like, or if the United States even felt like home anymore.

It's that only if you ignore the output per capita and just views the countries?

Well, TBH I don't give two about those companies. Also, what did average American citizen got from those companies succeeding? Probably nothing.

Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather have good work-life balance then unicorns that do not even change my life.

How did you calculate that? I wouldn't even know where to start measuring the total effects of Twitter on average Americans. I imagine they are wide reaching.

You answered your own question.

best output in the world

You're defining "best output" as per capita GDP or something similar. But, money doesn't always buy happiness. Many European countries manage to maintain high GDP while also providing a work/life balance that allows citizens to enjoy themselves and live healthier, less stressful lifestyles.

I mean, look at the Great Wall of China. It's a wonder what you can get done when you start to treat your people as tools and nothing more.

Oh, I know: Neglected children growing up to be unhappy at "best" and sociopaths at worst, for one.