Posted May 15, 2002 by Bridget
<h3>Are the laws of Jante a basic part of human nature?</h3>
The answer to this seems complex. Within a group, Jante applies, but
produce a `threat' from outside and the opposite applies.
<p>
So we all criticise and try to shoot down anyone of `ours' who is set
`above' us in some way -- witness the way people love to tell and hear
dirt about film stars, politicians, royalty ... And no-one likes a braggart.
<p>
On the other hand, we take pride in `our' person being better than
`yours', eg our football team beat yours, our scientists win more
Nobel prizes, our children's author is best in the world, my Dad is
bigger than your Dad.
<p>
But the laws of Jante as given are negative and self-centred. They
are demotivators, ensuring that people don't put effort in, carefully
don't get high grades in anything, don't stand out from the crowd --
because then they get shot down. This is NOT the way to create
greatness. Countries which operate this way will not produce great
artists, great sportsmen, great inventors, great achievers of any kind,
since ability is stifled from both inside and out.
<p>
Rewriting the laws of Jante in a positive manner
could be more helpful:
<p>
1. You shall believe everyone is someone. <br>
2. You shall believe everyone is worth as much as you. <br>
3. You shall believe everyone as wise as you.<br>
4. You shall fancy others as good as yourself.<br>
5. You shall believe others know more than you. <br>
6. You shall believe you are not greater than others. <br>
7. You shall believe everyone amounts to something. <br>
8. You shall not laugh at others. <br>
9. You shall be interested in all people.<br>
10. You shall believe you can learn from anyone.<br>
<p>
This is entirely less selfish! It has the same positive effect as
Jante interpreted in its best manner, ie, it makes it unacceptable for
people to be `left behind' too far. So you still create excellent
welfare to ensure that no-one is too poor, and you are still allowed
to tax the high earners heavily (another characteristic of
Scandinavian countries).
<p>
But with the positive form of the laws, you can encourage everyone to
be the best they can be, because your best hairdresser is recognised
to be as skilled as your best politician, your best lawyer can learn
from a racing car enthusiast, etc. Then all can be motivated to be a
specialist in a small area, while recognising the ability of people in
other areas. This form of equality allows differences and encourages
everyone to find their niche where they can be the local expert. All
can be `best', all can teach their thing, all can learn from all, all
help all.
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Posted Sep 30, 2003 by Researcher 248748
Total agreement with previous commentator: Jante can be cast positively,
and thus present a highly desirable community atmosphere. My exact feelings are given in detail at:
http://www.TheArtoftheSelf.com/road_to_jante.htm.
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