Trust builds if people feel safe. Do you agree? There are plenty of cities and countries that are not safe to visit. It is sad but yes, there are countries that are still not safe. Luckily, some countries in Europe are already advanced and safe to visit. One of them is Finland. Today, we are uncovering the lessons to learn from Finland, the happiest country on earth.
Finland has been at the top of the World Happiness Rankings for the last 4 years from 2018 to 2021 according to the World Population Review. Finland is at the top not only because of its good government but also the way it spends money on health, education, and safety. Behind its good governance, there is a big contribution of the Finnish people also. It is so amazing how they become the first on the list. Why Finland is the happiest country? Today, we are able to learn the lesson from Finland – the happiest country in the world.
Lessons to Learn From Finland – Happiest Country in the World
Nordic countries in Europe, including Finland, live up to the first measure of complacency. Because the culture of all these countries runs on some unwritten rules, and people of these countries are following them politely. Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose described 10 rules in his book Janteloven (The Law of Jante) in 1933. At present, these laws are taught in schools across Nordic countries. Now let me take you on that topic, how do these laws apply in Finland? Indeed, you should also learn and practice these laws from Finland -The happiest country in the world.
I hope these lessons to learn from the Finland post will serve as your guide towards your own happiness. You may be in a third-world country but it is all up to you to make your life colorful and joyful.
1. All are Equal in Society
Firstly, on our list of the lessons to learn from Finland is being an equal society.
You never have to think about whether someone is special or normal. That is, only the concept of special and general should be eliminated. Even in the capital of Finland, the price of a house is determined by its size, not its area. No city or area is for rich or poor. In Finland, you will find rich and poor living together in every area. In short, anyone can buy a house anywhere in Finland according to their needs. It is so great!
One thing is common in all the cities in the world: that in some parts of the city if the roads are wider and cleaner, the houses are more luxurious. For example, the posh area of the city. At the edge and end of the city, the roads and the streets are more narrow. The good thing is that there is not a single city in Finland where the rich live separately from the poor people. The government builds buildings in Finland for everyone. If you can afford to have one, you can buy an apartment otherwise, if you can’t afford it, you can always rent one. And if you are not able to pay the rent, you can take advantage to get a house under the housing benefits from the government in Finland. So, the government will sustain your house.
It is the responsibility of the government to provide houses to everyone. Not only houses but also good life for everyone.
2. Don’t Show Off
Not being arrogant and showy is on our list for the lessons to learn from Finland. Yes, showing off is not a good treat.
Finnish are very humble. They are very responsible. They don’t think that other people are richer than them. Also, they do not display their wealth. They live for who they are and that they have. In Finland, you will not find luxury cars running and marching in any city. Even a rich man in the country, Antti Herlin, uses a simple car. In Finland, displaying personal wealth is seen by the whole society as contamination. People in Finland do not even discuss who is the richest person in their country. They just live for how they are supposed to live.
3. Always Keep Learning
Don’t think that you know everything, or that your knowledge is more above than the others. As I have said, be humble. In Finland, a teacher’s job is the best job in Finland. However, it is not easy to be a teacher in Finland. To get a job in school as a teacher, you have to go through the most hypercritical exam. There is a belief that the profession of teacher is the most important profession. Therefore, only the most suitable person can get a job as a teacher in Finland. They are very selective.
Character is required along with qualifications to be a teacher in Finland. Also, the teacher becomes a friend of the student. The student-teacher relationship is very important for the,ìm. The bond of the teacher and the students help them learn faster and mold their good behaviors. The education system in Finland is truly admirable. Anyway, studying until high school is free in public schools. There are also public university schools that offer free tuition.
4. Trying to Understand Everyone
If you think you are the best in this world, then you better think again. That is, excellence is not connected with post and prestige. Finland’s national football team coach Markku Kanerva is a role model for the people of Finland. Although he was a respected footballer, he was also a teacher in elementary school at the same time. He is a great coach and a good team servant. He has always been a supporter of learning without pressure. Well, no one likes pressure. It is so nice to study when you are free to learn and you learn what you like.
5. Everyone Has Equal Rights to Education
Education and money are two different things in Finland. Education is very expensive in most of the countries of the world. But in Finland, education is absolutely free. And not only school education, but also university education is absolutely free in Finland. Education is free not only for Finnish students but also for those who come from abroad to study. The only difference is that the government pays the Finnish student an allowance during the study. But then, everyone is being treated as human with rights.
6. Same Deal for Everyone
No one in Finland considers himself/herself the most important person. Everyone is treated equally. In 2020, three cabinet ministers in Finland gave birth in a government hospital. And they were also given a facility that was available to the common citizen. Generally in most countries, the government officials or VIP people get special facilities and arrangements, but this is not applicable in Finland. Expect special care for everyone. If James has a good room in the hospital, Maria has the equal right to have also.
7. Jealousy Doesn’t Applicable
Jealousy is a childish act. People in Finland are very appreciative and don’t envy other people. Health and education facilities in Finland are the same for everyone. And Employment opportunities are the same for everyone. No gender, no age, no race, no color of the skin are being rejected. In Finland, children of leaders, ministers, businessmen, employed or unemployed are all raised in the same environment. This is the reason why there is never a feeling of jealousy due to inequality in opportunity.
8. Not to Make Fun of Any Human or Animal
That means respecting everyone’s feelings. This has been the focus of Finnish society since childhood. Special care is taken to ensure that the child gets along well with everyone and shows smiles. They don’t make fun of anyone. Finnish never ridicules anyone’s physical condition, social status, or level of understanding. In short, they are well-educated and well-mannered people.
9. Loves the Nature
Not only do the people of Finland love nature, but they also find their happiness in nature. Forest covers an area of 70 percent, and there are about 187,888 lakes in Finland. In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, within 300 meters of any building or apartment, you will find water, mountains, or greenery. Everyone living in cities has their own summer cottage or farmhouse in Finland’s rural area. How nice it is, right?
People in Finland believe that we are still connected to nature and we get absorbed in it. Well, it is true. Everything that we need is based on and from nature. For example, the pens, the papers, the wheels of the cars, and many more. Well, too many to mention actually.
10. Don’t Boast Achievements
Lastly, a lesson to learn from Finland is not to be arrogant. People in Finland never praise their achievements or contribution to their country. They just stay humble and down to earth. Moreover, they don’t boast about their way of living. They believe in working quietly instead of taking and gaining credit for doing the job. During the Corona period, the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, donated essentials for the Finnish people and gave them everything they need. But, never publicized it. The rich people of the country donated generously during the Covid-19 period. People of Finland heartily believe that it is not good to take credit for any work or any type of donation. They just give and expect nothing in return.
Conclusion
To be happy is enough for the people in Finland. They don’t care about becoming rich and influential. No wonder, they are the happiest people in the world living in their good country.
We have just discussed why we should be imitating Finland. It is one of the advanced countries in the world and they have everything they need. Also, everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and advantages.
Understanding why Finland is the happiest country in the world makes us astonished. There are plenty of countries admiring the lives of the people in Finland. I know, I am one of the people who admire them. In short, Finish people are responsible, respectful, and well-mannered.
Living in a country like Finland is such a good opportunity for a family. The support from the government is always there. Nature is there also. Moreover, your happy neighbors are always present too.
Traveling soon? Make sure to pack your stuff well and be safe.
I am sure you want to visit Finland now. Finland can be expensive. But then, start planning your trip well and get affordable and cheap flights. I hope you enjoyed reading our lessons to learn from Finland. Be happy and stay happy always!
Hey there! I’m Kartik. I am a finance professional and a travel and lifestyle blogger. I am vegetarian, but I love adventuring food. Jeric and I work together to deliver high-quality content for you. Adventure the fun!
We had Finnish neighbours who lived across the road from us. We were invited to a party of Finnish friends and family and it was such fun. We teased each other and had the same sense of humour. Halfway through the evening, they made us ‘honorary Finnish’ as we bonded so well with each other.
I particularly like No. 8 on your list.
Thank you for your most interesting post – we are putting Finland on our travel list.
Finnish likes to fun and laugh but they don’t joke wrongly on others. Nice story, Tha ks for sharing it with us. 👌👍
It’s interesting. Thanks for sharing this story Wendy Robinson!
Good lessons Kartik. I love the idea of equality in Finland. This is one reason why they are so happy; judgment minimizes in the presence of equality.
Ryan
Absolutely, they love all parts of nature.
Thanks for reading Ryan. Keep in touch.
I think the only thing missing from the list (unfortunately, and that can’t change), is that they don’t get a lot of sunny days in a year … I think it’s only 73 days a year (that would certainly leaves me a bit depressed 😧). Maybe it’s only me thinking that because I’m from sunny South Africa! But the rest of your list looks great and I can see why so many people want to visit Finland.
It looks unfortunately because we have merged with our country’s nature.. I think.
And Thanks for reading and Keep in touch.
It is so just on paper 😄
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I had 8 Finnish friends while I was living in New York.
I can wholeheartedly say that they were the nicest people I’ve come across with in this world. I couldn’t believe there were such nice people in the world.
Our world needs those kind of people more, much more than ever before.