And the majority said China's economy would continue to be No.1 for at least the next 20 years. Of course, the US economy is still three times the size of China's, and GDP per capita 12 times China's. But the sense of US slowdown and Chinese rapid growth is strong.

But if the US is only No.2, why are her restrooms always stocked with toilet paper, her pollution levels kept under control, and cars generally move along in an orderly manner? Wouldn't one expect the strongest economy to also be the most civilized?

I think much of the economic growth results from cutting corners. After all, even some US millionaires use coupons to buy groceries.

When a factory can avoid the expense of meeting ecological standards, profits are higher. If a person gets to work faster by forcing his car through the bike lane, naturally he has more hours in the office to turn a profit. And if people bring their own tissue, businesses are spared the cost of replenishing paper. Profit is higher, but at the cost of civilization.

Cutting costs isn't always bad, so long as it doesn't hurt others. I recently saw a story about a young Beijinger who built a tiny egg-shape house, mobile and small enough to fit on a sidewalk. It only cost 6,427 yuan ($1,000) to build. It's a huge savings for him without inconveniencing others.

I think another reason civilization hasn't kept up with the economical status is the extreme rate of China's climb to the top.

The US has been a superpower since World War I and after World War II the US economy quickly ascended to the first place, unchallenged until recently.

Americans have had more than half a century to learn civilized behavior. Of course, some are still learning.

Many businesses and individuals still act like people in impoverished countries. But given time, China may eclipse other nations in these standards too.

The author is an experienced English teacher in Beijing, author of Here They Come! Are You Ready? [email protected]