the swedish code

I have been reading a good book lately. It's called the Swedish Code, subtitled 'What makes the Swedes so Swedish?' Very interesting. Even connects the dots a lot if you find yourself married to a Swede or living in Sweden. I will post more as I work my way through the book.

Did you know that Swedes actually trust their government, almost unanimously? Did you know the Swedish system is set up on the expectation that everyone strives to obey all the rules, versus a system where everyone tries to cheat the system? Did you know in Sweden there is a fundamental belief that no one is better than anyone else, man, woman, or child? Heck they don't even have valedictorians in their graduating classes because it puts one person over another. I had to explain the term to my SFI teacher. In short, Sweden strives to do what is most benefitial to humanity in the long and short term.

I'm not saying Sweden is perfect. There's crime and divorce and alcoholism like any other country. But the culture is one that expects people to do the right thing, not just think about it. It also may not be everybody's cup of tea.

This is an English write up from the publisher's website:

The Swedish Code - what makes the Swedes so Swedish?
Are you planning to move to Sweden? Have you moved already? Have you fallen in love with a Swede? Do you work with Swedes? Here is your compass to a smoother path into Swedish society and a happier relationship - business or other!This book explains many of the intricate rules that govern Swedish society and the way Swedes communicate. It introduces you to the the big and the minute issues that can make life in Sweden miserable for a non-Swede. The Swedish personal bubble and Jante's laws as well as when to take your shoes off and how to eat crayfish. It represents the authors' impressions and experiences illustrated by many personal vignettes of their daily lives. Price: 389:- Hardcover or 198:- paperback, 160 pages, two colour throughout with many illustrations. - The ideal present!