Jante Law

[Buzz Dixon]

The wonderful thing about the Internet is that in a matter of minutes one can go from complete ignorance on a subject (even that said subject existed) to having a working knowledge of it. Our example for today: Jante Law.

Here is one entry I found:

The Jante Law is a concept created by the Danish author Aksel Sandemose in his novel "A refugee crosses his tracks."

1. You shall not think that you are special.
2. You shall not think that you are of the same standing as us.
3. You shall not think that you are smarter than us.
4. Don't fancy yourself as being better than us.
5. You shall not think that you know more than us.
6. You shall not think that you are more important than us.
7. You shall not think that you are good at anything.
8. You shall not laugh at us.
9. You shall not think that anyone cares about you.
10. You shall not think that you can teach us anything.

This has so permeated Danish culture to the extent that, even today, it is frowned upon to appear to elevate oneself or claim to be better or smarter than others.

Those who transgress this unwritten 'law' are regarded with suspicion and some hostility, as it goes against the Danish desire to stress social equality.



And yet, here is an alternative to Jante Law:
1. You shall believe everyone is someone.

2. You shall believe everyone is worth as much as you.

3. You shall believe everyone as wise as you

4. You shall fancy others as good as yourself.

5. You shall believe others know more than you.

6. You shall believe you are not greater than others.

7. You shall believe everyone amounts to something.

8. You shall not laugh at others.

9. You shall be interested in all people.

10. You shall believe you can learn from anyone.

Well, don't jes' sits thar -- gits to philosophizin'.