The Almost Nearly Perfect People Summary

Are the Nordic countries the utopia they're often portrayed to be, or is there more beneath the surface?

1. Scandinavians Value Equality Deeply

Scandinavian countries often lead the world in measures of wealth and gender equality. Using tools like the Gini coefficient, which measures disparities in wealth distribution, these nations consistently rank at the top for having some of the world's smallest income gaps. This reflects a collective prioritization of fairness across society.

Their longstanding history with equality may even have Viking origins. During their time, Vikings were not just raiders; they operated with egalitarian principles within their communities, a cultural trait that likely carried forward into modern times.

These nations also rank highest in gender equality. For instance, Iceland has been a pioneer in women’s rights, being the first European country to grant suffrage to women in 1906. Today, Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden are regarded as some of the best places to be a mother or a woman.

Examples

• Iceland's historical significance as the birthplace of the first-ever parliament in 930.
• Finland's gender-neutral language and its hallmark progression in women's suffrage.
• High rankings in the Save the Children index for best places to be a mother.

2. Reserve and Modesty Shape Scandinavian Social Codes

Nordic societies prioritize modesty, which often comes across as strong societal norms of restraint. Personal accomplishments are rarely bragged about, aligning with a cultural aversion to ostentation and self-importance.

This modesty is institutionalized by a concept known as Jante Law, from the satirical Danish-Norwegian novel A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks. These “laws” set expectations to prioritize the collective over the individual, discouraging self-promotion and arrogance. Even today, this mindset shapes Scandinavian behavior.

Interestingly, the Nordic reserve also means many Scandinavians are quiet and untalkative. For example, Finns are known for being especially stoic. Modesty in Sweden has also given birth to the term duktig, which illustrates a calm competence that avoids conflict and draws no attention.

Examples

• The influence of Jante Law and cultural norms discouraging self-promotion.
• The story of Finnish reserve, highlighted by two men calmly helping each other without words.
• Sweden's employment of Danes as managers to offset an overly reserved work culture.

3. Shared Culture Can Unite, but Immigration Challenges Exist

The strong sense of shared history and identity among Nordic citizens fosters high social cohesion. Yet, these tight-knit societies occasionally struggle with immigration and multiculturalism, with rising far-right movements being a case in point.

In Norway, for example, Anders Breivik’s attacks in 2011 starkly revealed an undercurrent of anti-immigration sentiment. Though regarded as an extremist, his actions shone a spotlight on simmering tensions regarding cultural changes driven by increased immigration.

Similar trends have been observed in Sweden and Denmark. Right-wing parties like the Sweden Democrats and Danish People’s Party have gained traction, campaigning against immigration and multicultural policies.

Examples

• Norway's Constitution Day illustrates national pride, while also revealing cultural tensions.
• The Sweden Democrats’ success in parliamentary elections, running on anti-immigration platforms.
• The Danish People’s Party's controversial rhetoric comparing Muslim presence to Nazism.

4. Iceland Marries Myth and Modern Capitalism

Iceland’s small population has preserved ancient traditions, such as the belief in elves, a remnant of its Viking past. Remarkably, a greater percentage of Icelanders believe in elves than in God, a fact rooted in the island’s cultural and natural isolation.

The country also exhibits an American-like entrepreneurial spirit. During the early 2000s, Iceland's banks aggressively borrowed internationally, creating a deep economic bubble that eventually burst, devastating the country’s finances during the 2008 global recession.

Despite such calamities, Iceland shows resilience. Its economy rebounded by prioritizing fundamental societal values and maintaining a strong connection to its natural environment.

Examples

• The "hidden people" belief remains widespread among half the population.
• Iceland’s attempt to dominate financial markets resulted in $140 billion of debt.
• The Althing parliament, founded in volcanic Thingvellir, bridges history and modern governance.

5. Norwegians Embrace Their Wild Roots and Wealth

Norway’s rugged terrain and stunning fjords influence its people and culture. A love of wilderness runs deep. Many Norwegians have surnames tied to geographical features, cementing their connection to nature.

At the same time, Norway enjoys financial success linked to its massive North Sea oil reserves. The country manages oil revenues collectively, amassing one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, ensuring society directly benefits.

Even so, Norwegians balance pride in their wealth with a simple, nature-driven lifestyle. Slow TV—a simple broadcast of trains or ferries crossing the countryside—became widely popular, reflecting their love for nature.

Examples

• Douglas Adams references Norway’s fjords in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
• Norway’s oil fund has surpassed $600 billion and continues to grow.
• Slow TV phenomena attract global praise for their focus on untouched landscapes.

6. Finland Thrives in Extremes

Known for education and innovation, Finland also carries darker statistics, such as high rates of gun ownership and alcohol-fueled violence. These contradictions reflect the grit of a nation that has endured wars, independence struggles, and challenging geography.

Finnish resilience stems from sisu, a unique concept describing strength and determination in the face of hardship. This quality has enabled Finland to achieve astonishing levels of educational success, regularly topping international rankings.

However, social challenges remain. Finnish binge-drinking culture and the lingering trauma from its tumultuous history ensure that life is intense in both positive and negative ways.

Examples

• Finnish schools rank among the best globally, thanks to universal access and well-trained teachers.
• The Winter War showcased Finland’s sisu as they resisted a Soviet invasion.
• High rates of alcoholism and violence reveal lingering societal pressures.

7. Sweden Is a Land of Hidden Controversies

Sweden, often celebrated for its inclusiveness, has a history filled with moral complexities. Its Social Democratic Party dominated politics for much of the 20th century, creating the immensely structured Folkhemmet welfare state.

Despite its reputation as a progressive leader, Sweden profited during WWII by selling iron to Nazi Germany and conducted disturbing eugenics experiments well into the 1970s. These dark chapters challenge the perfect image associated with the country.

Even today, the echoes of Sweden’s one-party dominance play out in its political culture, raising questions about its approach to conformity and neutrality across generations.

Examples

• The SSDP’s long-standing control of Sweden influenced nearly every sector of society.
• Sweden’s wartime economy grew 20 percent while other countries suffered.
• Eugenics programs aimed at “improving” the Nordic race lasted decades, smudging its global image.

8. Denmark’s Happiness Lies in Togetherness

Denmark consistently tops global happiness rankings, despite having less impressive statistics in areas like health or infrastructure compared to its Nordic neighbors. Danish society’s secret lies in its communal spirit and emphasis on hygge, a tradition of creating warm, inclusive atmospheres.

Historically, Denmark has endured geopolitical loss, but its people connected through tight-knit social bonds. Today, almost half of all Danes are part of formal clubs or associations, affirming their love for collective activities.

While high taxes and average services might frustrate outsiders, Danes feel fulfilled by their strong sense of community and identity.

Examples

• Denmark’s hygge philosophy encourages warmth and equality in social interactions.
• Declining from empire to small nation consolidated Denmark’s solidarity.
• Roughly 43 percent of Danes belong to clubs, from gardening groups to unions.

9. The Nordic Countries Are Not a Utopia — but They’re Close

These nations grapple with issues like immigration tensions, historical controversies, and extreme social expectations. Still, their achievements in equality, progressive policy, and cultural resilience make them admirable.

From state-controlled oil wealth in Norway to Finland’s educational prowess, Scandinavian countries have tailored solutions to their unique situations. These solutions may not be perfect, but they reflect the strength of their collective identity.

Their success lies in a careful balance between innovation and tradition, leveraging both their natural resources and social systems to foster contentment.

Examples

• Iceland’s rapid financial recovery underscores adaptability amid adversity.
• Sweden’s Folkhemmet model established strong societal welfare systems.
• Norway invests oil revenue for long-term public benefit, insulating its economy.

Takeaways

1. Embrace community and shared responsibility to foster happiness and cohesion, as seen in Denmark’s hygge culture.
2. Balance innovation and tradition to navigate challenges, taking lessons from Iceland’s economic recovery.
3. Foster equality across socioeconomic and gender lines, inspired by the Nordic commitment to fairness.