Yes, Americans and Europeans share a commitment to democratic principles, but differences between Americans and Europeans are notable when it comes to personal liberty and the individual’s role in achieving one’s own success.

And while historically, American sensibilities about the role of government, individualism, and freedom can be drawn from some of the great European thinkers of the past centuries, a recent Pew poll of several nations found that Americans have a much greater affinity for religious worship, freedom of expression, and self-determination.

Pew reached five conclusions from its polling, including that

— “Americans are more likely to believe they control their own destiny,” and

— “Americans tend to prioritize individual liberty, while Europeans tend to value the role of the state to ensure no one in society is in need.”

Read more about the five ways Americans and Europeans are different.