The law of Jante: "Don't you think that you are someone!"

The law of Jante "Jantelagen" is something that most Swedes have in their bones, most probably have no idea about it. Some may not even know what it is? So of course I will clarify this for you first before we move on! The very basis is thus a mentality based on the principle that "one should not think that one is better than someone else".

Sweden VS Germany

In Sweden, the Jantelagen is a fundamental part of the national identity. You are clearly not better than anyone else and it is important to show humility and equality. It is a social norm that encourages modesty and the downplaying of individual achievements. It also emphasizes that one should not stand out or become too much. Swedes like this. So remember not to brag about your successes or stand out too much - it's not okay according to Jante!

In Germany, there is a different view of success and individualism. Germans are often more inclined to celebrate and appreciate individual achievements and aspirations. It is common to strive to be successful and make a career. The culture can be more competitive and encourage a strong work ethic and drive. It is more okay to assert yourself and tell what you have achieved and what you can do.

While Swedes tend to be more focused on collectivism and to put the needs of the community before individual ambitions, Germans have a stronger individualistic attitude where it is more accepted to speak openly about one's goals and ambitions - without having to feel embarrassed or ashamed.

The law of Jante: "Don't you think that you are someone!"

Is Jantelagen something good to have?

I would argue it promotes a sense of humility, equality and solidarity where no one person is considered better than another, creating a more harmonious and cohesive societal fabric. Overall, it contributes to a nicer and more respectful atmosphere. It encourages cooperation and working together to achieve common goals. Which can also lead to a more efficient work environment and better teamwork.

By not focusing on constantly standing out or being the best, it can reduce stress and performance anxiety. The feelings and needs of others are taken into account. Which promotes a strong social responsibility and being aware of how one's actions affect others. You get a feeling of security and acceptance.

However... Not talking about your successes or showing self-confidence can hinder you personally. Because you don't demonstrate what you can do, you don't market yourself. How many people have not sat in a job and felt that they were working with tasks outside their area of expertise?

If you don't dare to stand out and be seen, you can limit yourself and your own opportunities to achieve your goals and dreams. Constantly holding yourself back and not demonstrating and acknowledging your own achievements can easily lead to a lack of self-esteem and confidence. Doesn't Sweden have a problem with depression? If you don't believe in your own abilities, you easily become passive. You get stuck in the same job. Same relationship. The same life you actually hate. You never get out of the spiral and start working towards and for your personal goals and dreams.

My personal touch

At a previous job, I received the criticism that I considered myself to be sitting on a high horse and know everything. Of course, that was not the case. It was more than a donkey than a horse. Maybe a goat? Alas, no matter what animal I sat on, I questioned it because it did not match what I had learned. It did not match my experiences and what I had been taught, my view of the world.
So, to survive the corporate culture, I was taught to fall in line and listen to how it should be. Sometimes I dared to stand up and say something like "but that's not true, is it?" and even then at some point received the answer "if you sit down and listen here, little one, I'll explain to you" (actual quote). Only to be proven right a few weeks later. Do you think there was any recognition on that point? Hardly. Did I assert myself and try to point out "I told you so!"? Maybe a little, as I have a very hard time not getting bitter... but doubtless as much as I should have done to ensure they didn't question me on a point where I actually am the expert.

For totally irrelevant information, this is how an AI creates an image with the input "Jantelagen"

So what really is best? Should one be humble? Is it really so wrong to emphasize and show pride in one's achievements? Is it wrong to show what you can do and stand for it? Dare to assert yourself? Or are you just egocentric? Are Svenne and Jante too cowardly?