From childcare to healthcare, provision for the elderly and tackling issues of homelessness, the Nordic countries are world leaders in organising society – no wonder Finland has been ranked among the happiest places in the world. But when Finnish journalist Anu Partanen moved to America, she quickly realised that navigating the basics of everyday life was overly complicated compared to how society was organised in her homeland. From the complications of buying a mobile, to the arduous task of filing taxes, she knew there was a better way and as she got to know her new neighbours she discovered that they too shared her deep apprehensions. The Nordic Theory of Everything details Partanen's mission to understand why America (and much of the Western world) suffers from so much inequality and struggling social services. Filled with fascinating insights, advice and practical solutions, she makes a convincing argument that we can rebuild society, rekindle optimism and become more autonomous people by following in the footsteps of our neighbours to the North.
Anu Partanen Bücher
A Finnish journalist, now a naturalized American citizen, encourages Americans to embrace aspects of the Nordic lifestyle to create a fairer, happier, and less stressful society. After moving to the U.S. in 2008, Anu Partanen transitioned from a confident professional to feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of everyday life, from buying a cell phone to navigating childcare and education. Initially, she believed her anxiety stemmed from adjusting to a new culture, but she soon realized that many Americans shared her concerns. To explore the differences between life in the U.S. and Finland, Partanen examined four key relationships: parents and children, men and women, employees and employers, and government and citizens. She challenges the notion that Nordic countries are merely socialist “nanny states,” arguing instead that Americans are often more dependent than they recognize. By highlighting the Nordic model, she illustrates how it fosters greater individual freedom and independence. Partanen aims to inspire Americans to see the potential for improvement in their lives and society, advocating for a renewed commitment to the American dream that ensures health, safety, and economic security for all. Through insights and practical solutions, she presents a compelling case for societal rebuilding and the restoration of true freedom in relationships.