No, all is not well in Sweden. Crime is rising, healthcare queues are long and the winter is eternally long. But still, there is a lot that is quite good, if we look at it all from a slightly larger perspective. Aren't we a little bad at appreciating that?
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All countries have good and bad sides
Every country has good and bad sides, which is one of the things you notice when travelling, and perhaps even more so if you try living in another country. Seeing how things work in other countries gives you some perspective. You can be inspired by things that are good and perhaps bring new ideas back home, while also seeing more clearly what is actually good at home.
Reflections from South Africa
Right now we are travelling in South Africa. We are tourists and we are only here for a limited period of time, so of course we only see certain aspects. However, we are doing our best to ask questions and learn about the country we are travelling in.
Some things are fantastic Here. The nature is marvellous, the climate feels almost "perfect" and the people we have met have been incredibly friendly, generous, open and easy-going. At the same time, it's impossible to ignore the challenges: widespread poverty, antagonism between people of different colours, escalating crime, unstoppable corruption and the endless need for gates, locks, alarm systems and guards.
People on either side of a fence can live like on two different planets. On one side unimaginable luxury, on the other misery surrounded by a few pieces of corrugated iron. On one planet, quality schools and modern healthcare. On the other, large classes and patients crowded together in hospital corridors. So close, yet so far away.
Shouldn't we be better at appreciating what we have in Sweden?
You may not be able to compare countries that have completely different conditions. Many countries have a much larger, and much poorer, population than Sweden. Other countries also have a different history and different neighbours. Comparing is not fair. But you can always reflect on your own situation.
Of course, we should not stop complaining, or stop acting, when things are badly managed in Sweden. The drive for change and improvement is perhaps the most important thing of all if the country is to continue to function in the future.
But having said that, we wonder whether we shouldn't be tiny better at appreciating what we have in Sweden? Isn't it a privilege to live in a country where everyone has access to education (including higher education), modern healthcare and a proper home, with electricity and running water? In a country where corruption is not the rule but the exception?
It is so easy to take things for granted, but for so many people in the world, these things are not at all obvious.
How do you think?
How do you think? What do you appreciate about living in Sweden? How can you wish for change and improvement, without forgetting to appreciate what is good?
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Anna Nilsson Spets says:
I don't live in Sweden anymore, but in Belgium people complain just as much, especially about energy prices and immigration. What you don't discuss here with the average person is salaries and political positions, it's kind of taboo. Every time I travel, usually to extremely poor countries, I am struck by a humility towards the people who live there and am infinitely grateful for what I have. Sometimes when I travel, I am surprised how other tourists can complain about the lack of internet, alcohol and other things.
14 February 2024 - 6:31
Helena says:
I can understand that it is similar in Belgium! And yes, not everything is like home when travelling, that's part of the concept ... (Then again, the internet is often important to me, but I try to find solutions, and plan in advance for times when I know we will be in "radio shadow" ...).
14 February 2024 - 10:01
Annar Aas says:
Nice that you use travelling to reflect on our human needs and situation. If, like me, you look at the world through both "big media" and blogs, I have no desire to move from our country. We have it unashamedly good. And the healthcare that I am now completely dependent on today, works flawlessly. I have 11 grandchildren and worry a little about their future. Now the government is putting the brakes on environmental initiatives e.g. will the Gulf Stream change direction due to the melting of the ice? I can't help but wonder. At the same time, I am delighted with all the blogs that tell about wonderful places. Enjoy your blog every morning.
14 February 2024 - 9:22
Helena says:
Travelling makes you reflect, I think, but by creating a "theme" we may be a little better at communicating these thoughts ... 😉 Nice to hear that you have positive experiences of the care! And wow, so many grandchildren! Wonderful! But of course, there are also things to worry about when it comes to the future, not least the environment!
14 February 2024 - 10:28
Ditte says:
Interesting to read your thoughts and see others' comments. I have deliberately chosen to live in Sweden but have lived in Beijing for four years and then travelled a lot in Asia and experienced areas there up close. Very instructive. And travelling has been and still is something I like to do even though it is now limited for physical reasons.
I think Sweden is fantastic. And so accessible. Accessible with the right of public access, schools, hospitals and universities that are free of charge. Then I think that Swedes who go on holiday for a few weeks can complain about trifles and want everything to be the same as at home.
Sure, there are concerns here too, but on the whole they are marginal when you look at the rest of the world.
14 February 2024 - 17:13
Helena says:
Thanks for your comment Ditte! Yes, I agree that the right of public access is fantastic, as well as the free universities! There are many very good things in Sweden!
14 February 2024 - 18:04
BP says:
A very short and simple answer to your question is - "We in Sweden are so terribly spoilt".
And not only us here at home, but everyone living in Western Europe has "a standard" that is extremely high. It is simply not possible to expect the same standard in South Africa, for example. You only have to travel to certain parts of Spain to realise that we are extremely well off in Sweden.
14 February 2024 - 20:17
Helena says:
Well, of course it is! We told a South African woman about some things in Sweden, like free universities and (somewhat) equal healthcare. Then we told her that many people complain. She laughed and shook her head ... 😉.
16 February 2024 - 17:58
Jonathan GDM says:
It is very interesting to compare people's attitudes in different countries and try to understand how different motivations lead to different things. Just such a thing as being able to go to school was a dream for many people in Burkina Faso or Morocco, as well as being able to go to a school with good teaching. At home in Sweden, many people drop out of school, skip school and find it generally boring. We have it very good, but on the other hand, there are many who feel that life is not rewarding enough... you can have many interesting discussions about it 🙂 The balance of appreciating life but also being able to express some dissatisfaction in everyday life, without drowning in dissatisfaction is not easy. But travelling and trying to understand and learn about different cultures is probably a medicine that should be prescribed more often... 😉.
14 February 2024 - 23:26
Helena says:
Thanks for an interesting comment Jonathan! Yes, it is interesting that life may not be rewarding enough ... The fact that we are materially well off in the Western world may not necessarily always make us happy ...
16 February 2024 - 18:00