The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life *ePub
“In her careful, evenhanded series of thoughtful essays, Partanen, who just became an American citizen, parses the recipe for Nordic success that even the self-congratulatory ‘exceptional’ American may want to ponder and adapt. . . . An earnest, well-written work worth heeding, especially in our current toxic political climate.” — Kirkus Reviews A Finnish journalist, now a naturalized American citizen, asks Americans to draw on elements of the Nordic way of life to nurture a fairer, happier, more secure, and less stressful society for themselves and their children. Moving to America in 2008, Finnish journalist Anu Partanen quickly went from confident, successful professional to wary, self-doubting mess. She found that navigating the basics of everyday life—from buying a cell phone and filing taxes to education and childcare—was much more complicated and stressful than anything she encountered in her homeland. At first, she attributed her crippling anxiety to the difficulty of adapting to a freewheeling new culture. But as she got to know Americans better, she discovered they shared her deep apprehension. To understand why life is so different in the U.S. and Finland, Partanen began to look closely at both. In The Nordic Theory of Everything, Partanen compares and contrasts life in the United States with life in the Nordic region, focusing on four key relationships—parents and children, men and women, employees and employers, and government and citizens. She debunks criticism that Nordic countries are socialist “nanny states,” revealing instead that it is Americans who are far more enmeshed in unhealthy dependencies than we realize. As Partanen explains step by step, the Nordic approach allows citizens to enjoy more individual freedom and independence than we do. Partanen wants to open Americans’ eyes to how much better things can be—to show her beloved new country what it can learn from her homeland to reinvigorate and fulfill the promise of the American dream—to provide the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, economically secure, upwardly mobile life for everyone. Offering insights, advice, and solutions, The Nordic Theory of Everything makes a convincing argument that we can rebuild our society, rekindle our optimism, and restore true freedom to our relationships and lives. Read more
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Why Must Read The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life?
My husband and I were lucky enough to spend a year in Finland on a Fulbright ('88-'89) when our kids were 12, 6 and 4. We fell in love with the country and the people and consider it our second home. When we lived there, I was amazed nearly every day by what I learned about the Finnish social system-- things that the Finns themselves often took for granted (until I let them know that Americans did NOT think health care/education/basic sustenance etc. were a human right). As a result of their humane social system, I found most people there more relaxed about themselves, their family life and their futures than almost any American I knew. Finally Anu Partenan has written a meticulously researched book that explains exactly what we witnessed and the philosophy behind it. I loved the book, found it profoundly true, and just ordered a stack of copies for the young people on my holiday list as I truly believe it is what we need to be fighting for. When I lived in Finland, I often said "if American women (in particular but men too) knew what my Finnish friends had, they'd be rioting in the streets." Read it and share it.....maybe even send it to your member of Congress this holiday season.
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