Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with it. We often seem to consider actions like these acceptable…without considering the
fact that if everyone did it, our society as a whole would suffer.
The consequences of ignoring this reality were thrown into sharp relief with the crip-
pling financial crisis that began in 2008. In the lead-up to the crisis, smart people knew
deep down that existing policies would not be sustainable if everyone jumped in, trying to
make money from speculation rather than substance. They gambled that they could pull
it off, and the free rider problem wouldn't kick in. But then it did. As Europe, too, got
caught up in this “casino capitalism,” we saw how interconnected our world has become,
and how—with globalization—there's now only one game in town.
A good example of how the Danish social ethic differs from others is a simple one:
Danes are famous for not jaywalking. Even if the roads are empty at 3 a.m., pedestrians
still stop and wait at a red light. If there's no traffic in sight, my American individualism
whispers, “Why obey a silly rule?” And so I jaywalk, boldly, assuming that my fellow
pedestrians will appreciate my lead and follow me. In most countries, they do. But when
I jaywalk in Denmark, the locals frown at me like I'm a bad influence on the children
present. That social pressure impacts even a hurried, jaywalking tourist. So, rather than
feel like an evil person, I wait for the light.
I don't know how well I'd fit in if I lived in Denmark. But their personal and societal
formula intrigues me. On my last visit, I asked Danish people I met about their soci-
ety—and why they're so happy. Here's a sampling of what they told me:
“Yes, we are the most contented people. Regular workers pay on average a 35 percent
income tax—big shots pay more than 50 percent. Of course, we expect and we get a good
value for our taxes. We've had national healthcare since the 1930s. We know nothing else.
If I don't like the shape of my nose, I pay to fix that. But all my basic health needs are
taken care of. Here in Denmark, all education is free. And our taxes even provide uni-
versity students with almost $1,000 a month in educational support for living expenses
for up to six years. We Danes believe a family's economic status should have nothing to
do with two fundamental rights: the quality of their healthcare or the quality of the edu-
cation their children receive. I believe you in America pay triple per person what we pay
as a society for healthcare. Your system may be better for business… but ours is better
for people. Perhaps a major negative consequence of our socialism is that since Danes are
so accustomed to everything being taken care of by the government, we may not be very
helpful or considerate towards each other when in need.”
When I saw a tombstone store with
Tak for Alt
(“Thanks for Everything”) pre-carved
into each headstone, I figured it was a message from the dearly departed after enjoying a
very blessed life in Denmark. But I asked a Dane, and learned that it's a message from the
living bidding their loved one farewell (similar to our “Rest in Peace”). Still, I think when
a Dane dies, it's a good message from both sides:
Tak for Alt.
