Sublime

on the Nordic psyche and remains fundamental to the way people here behave and relate to one another.

Åke Daun’s book Swedish Mentality

(it hardly helps that the Swedish company insists on naming its least dignified products—doormats, and so forth—after Danish towns).

Swedes don’t hold themselves in terribly high regard.

I am here because, according to some, the Vikings are the best bet as to the source of the Danes’ remarkable egalitarianism.

Parochialism remains the Danes’ defining characteristic, but their radically recalibrated sense of identity and national pride has created a curious duality best described as a kind of “humble pride,” though many often mistake it for smugness.

Hvad udad tabes, skal indad vindes. (What was lost without will be found within.)

Kevin