We will manage by ourselves!
Are
there no visions anymore, I really wonder? Over the years several politicians
have launched initiatives and slogans without much luck.
It’s
probably because of the typical Norwegian mentality and “soul”. Self-content ,
self-centered and satisfied …
Nothing
more to strive for, no goals. “- By God I’m
looking forward to the next weekend or holliday” (depending what arrives first),
is a typical phrase expressed by us.
In
1988, my “old” Professor in Finance and Investment (BI, Norwegian School of
Management), elaborated on the “future of Norway” with us.
Mind
you, this is the year before the fall of
the Berlin wall and the disbandment of Soviet and the former east-bloc
countries.
The
basis of discussion was the typical Norwegian attitude of being self-centered, self-righteous
and demanding, - sort of want to “get it all served on a silver platter.”
In
short he said: “The ones coming (from former
east-bloc countries) will be hungry to achieve the same standard and quality of
live as us. They will outperform us on price, will, and stamina, because they
have not had the possibilities yet!”
In
a way he was “prophetic” in his assessment,
and it stuck, still relevant after abt. 30 years later.
The
“rule” is “Janteloven” (the law of Jante), formed by the Dane - Norwegian,
Aksel Sandemose. It applies to all the Scandinavian countries, but more
predominant in Norway.
Janteloven
gives a description of patterns of group behavior towards individuals
within Nordic Countries that negatively portrays and criticizes individual
success and achievement as unworthy and inappropriate.
In
this respect “envy” is also a strong element, and one have a saying in Norway that
“envy is stronger than the sex-drive”,
- probably partly why we have still have a small population …
We
believe we are better than others, we prefer “isolation” above being “part of
the world”. Probably a reason why we
have turned down the European Union on two occasions in recent history.
Norway
is still “an isolated island”, believing we will manage by ourselves, it is,
and becomes a place for “the especially interested”.
Today
we see the polarization of those who
have, and those who have not, all over Europe, and I believe we are on a
dangerous path if not treated correctly.
Hence Norway need to
interact and contribute differently (Europe /internationally) to solve the new
set of challenges arising.
(This article
will be published in Norwegian language within short.)
To be continued
…
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