You know, I think you really believe that.
There wasn't a TV in my house when I was in high school, although most people had them and watched the Patty Duke show through Bonanza.
But I had a million things do to, people to see and places to go.
People cleaned the streets because it was a German neighborhood and the front of your house, the street and the entire community was a reflection of self respect.
Having lived in a poor neighbor I know for sure there is no connection between poverty and shitting in the street, or stealing from your neighbor.
I agree, but to a point. The Prussian attitude certainly keeps up appearances, but I think it also leads to early death from heart attacks and an overall suffocating sense of pragmatism. My German relatives are....not the merriest of people.