I don't think it, I know it. I have heard civilizations described in terms of 'seasons' and most of the material I have read agrees that 'Western' civilization is in its "winter" and 'Eastern' civilizations are coming back around to their spring/summer.
Better learn Mandarin.
They make efforts to help us when we are in the water, it seems only fair to return the effort. The reasons for beaching are not fully understood but we may partially be to blame, therefore taking responsibility for their rescue - even failed - is our geas.