first rule: don’t think you are somebody

There is a Swedish proverb that I had never heard until, maybe, last year: “Those who wish to sing, always find a song.” When I see it quoted, it’s always considered inspirational, and uplifting. Not only have I never heard it, but it also doesn’t ring very Swedish to me.

The Law Of Jante (based on observations by Danish writer Aksel Sandemose in the early 1900s, now used to describe a state of mind in Sweden and the other Scandinavian countries) suppresses individual achievement. Generally, to stand out in a crowd is not considered a good thing.

I wonder of this proverb may have had a negative tone originally, meaning “those who want to stand out always find a way”. Somehow that feels more Swedish to me.

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