The Nordic Theory of Everything
In Search of a Better Life
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Nordic countries are world leaders in organising society and it is no wonder Finland has been ranked among the happiest places in the world with an enviable work-life balance. And so it was a major culture shock when journalist Anu Partanen moved from her Nordic home to America.
Basic activities, from buying a mobile to filing taxes, were so much more complicated. As Partanen got to know her new neighbours, she discovered that they too shared her deep apprehensions, and she set out to understand why society in America (and much of the Western world) is organised in such a convoluted way. In so doing, she reveals that the Nordic approach allows people to enjoy more individual freedom and independence from the government while promoting a greater sense of well-being.
Filled with fascinating insights, advice and practical solutions, The Nordic Theory of Everything makes a convincing argument that we can rebuild society, rekindle optimism and become more autonomous people by following in the footsteps of our neighbours to the North.
***PRAISE FOR THE NORDIC THEORY OF EVERYTHING***
'Partanen is a careful, judicious writer and she makes a careful, judicious case.. it s useful to know what the outsider knows: there are other ways of organizing humanity.' New York Times Book Review
'Could be a game-changer in national conversations about the roles that governments should play in their citizens lives. At the heart of Partanen s discussion is a concern with what we mean by personal freedom and opportunity.' Seattle Times
'This highly readable and entertaining work is timely, as the conversation about inequality and the role of social services in this country has never been more relevant.' Library Journal
'A passionate and intelligent argument.' Publishers Weekly
A Best Book of Summer 2016 O, The Oprah Magazine
A Best Nonfiction Book of Summer 2016 Bustle
A Must-Read, Summer 2016 New York Post
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this outsider's examination of the American way of life, Finnish-born journalist Partanen compares the United States to the Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Partanen draws from her first-hand experiences as a recent transplant to America, recounting her culture shock and struggle to adapt. She skillfully deconstructs healthcare, the educational system, the family unit, and governmental participation in everyday life, among other things, to point out how American society is flawed and where it can learn from the Nordic countries, especially what she calls "the Nordic theory of love": "that authentic love and friendship are possible only between individuals who are independent and equal." As she observes, this belief resembles the classical American ideals of individualism and self-reliance, and for this reason, Americans should find it appealing. Partanen concludes by stating that the U.S., by drawing on the example of Nordic societies, "could possibly return itself to its former glory as the best country in the world." It's a passionate and intelligent argument, though perhaps an overly idealized attempt to fix complicated issues, and more valuable as a conversation starter than a utopian blueprint.
