Jante Law and Lagom -edited 10/25 and 11/15

I want to share two insights into Scandinavian thinking.  Or at least insights into traditional Scandinavian thinking. Below are two guiding principles among Swede's. The first is so foreign to the American way of thinking, that I assumed I was reading it incorrectly.  But I was not.  Learning these concepts helps an outsider grasp this socialist country's conception of fairness and equality.  When you read Jante law, do not assume that this is an attitude just toward outsiders.  This is purported to be a communal attitude.

I welcome any clarification from Swede's if I am misunderstanding or misrepresenting this!  Please feel free!  I have already edited this twice.  I am happy to do it again if it will clarify it. : )

Jante "Law"

Do not believe that you are somebody.
Do not believe that you are as important as we are.
Do not believe that you are wiser than we are.
Do not believe that you are better than we are.
Do not believe that you know more than we do.
Do not believe that you are superior to us.
Do not believe that you are good enough.
Do not laugh at us.
Do not believe that anyone cares about you.
Do not believe that you can teach us anything.

 

Educational reforms in more recent years are trying to work within this system while still encouraging more gifted students. [Edit 10/25:] I was speaking to a Swedish friend last evening who offered some insights into Jante law.  The term is taken from a novel written by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandermose, in the 1930's.  She said the idea was that until recent history, many people groups within Scandinavia were isolated.  When modernized transportation brought together, they were exposed to their differences.  Thus, the author wrote these ten rules to discourage one from thinking themselves superior to another.  My friend is a teacher, and said that it is not uncommon to encourage a student who does not feel up to a task to "break away from Jante law".  I have however,  been told by others that Jante law is still very much alive in Scandinavian culture. So...?

11/15: When speaking to another Swedish friend, she explained that formerly it was more important to blend into the crowd and not be different.  This is still more true in the rural areas.  But in general, Jante Law is not as strong as it had been.  
 

"Lagom"

This is a word that means, "Just enough". It apparently comes from a Viking word.   All were drinking from a common vessel, but only drank "just enough"  to satisfy their needs and shared the rest. So: work hard, but not too hard, eat enough, but not too much, have enough money, but not too much, etc.. 

 

And so it goes...