<Another picture that tells a story The Oil Drum This is a bit corny - but following Yankee, what can I say?>

242 comments on Thurs open thread

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

| Show without comments | PDF version

jaha on April 20, 2006 - 8:48pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
In school in Norway we would learn about this law, and it was common to have the students make posters featuring the "anti-Jante-law", wich is a bit more positive, to hang in the classroom. I always thought the law had something positive in it aswell as being very depressive overall, since it disencourages people from joining the "arms-race" where your goal in life is always to have a more expensive car and fancier house than your neighbours. I think the Jante-law might have been a reason why I grew up believing there really was no difference between people in a socialdemocratic country, and rich/poor people only existed in places like Africa and South America.

Anyway, the Law in itself is pretty thoughtprovoking.

the following is from the link at the top of the list after a google serch on "jantelov":

http://www.bearcy.com/janteloven.html
http://www.bearcy.com/janteloven.html#Anti-Janteloven

the "Jante-law"

You shall not believe that you are somebody.
You shall not believe that you are as worthy as us.
You shall not believe that you are any wiser than us.
You shall not imagine that you are any better than us.
You shall not believe that you know anything more than us.
You shall not believe that you are more than us.
You shall not believe that you are good at anything.
You shall not laugh at us.
You shall not believe that anyone cares about you!
You shall not believe that you can teach us anything!
Aksel SANDEMOSE 1899-1965 (famous Danish writer)

The "Anti-Jante-law"

You are exceptional.
You are more worthy than anyone can measure.
You can do something special.
You have got something to give to others.
You have done something you can be proud of.
You've got a bundle of unused resources.
You are good at something.
You can accept others.
You've got the capability to understand and learn from others.
There are someone who love you.

Comments can no longer be added to this story.
ColesvilleEd on April 20, 2006 - 9:10pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
You are a unique person, just like everyone else on the planet.

I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.

Comments can no longer be added to this story.
Todd on April 20, 2006 - 9:36pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Magnus and Jaha,

I want to sincerely thank both of you for your comments about your countries.  I believe that it is vitally important for those of us in the US to see what other countries have done and are currently doing.

My wife spent her junior college year at the University of Madrid (almost 50 years ago).  It had a profound impact on her and she still maintains friendships developed then.

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

242 comments on Thurs open thread

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

| Show without comments | PDF version