Happy as a Dane explores Danish happiness through ten principles, including trust, education, work-life balance, and modesty. Reviews are mixed, with some praising its insights and others finding it contradictory or oversimplified. Readers appreciate the cultural analysis but criticize the writing style and lack of depth. Many find the Danish approach intriguing, though some question its applicability elsewhere. The book's short length and statistical focus receive criticism, while its thought-provoking nature and easy readability are commended.
Trust is the foundation of Danish happiness
Education focuses on personal development, not just academic achievement
Freedom and independence are encouraged from a young age
Equal opportunities create a more mobile and contented society
Realistic expectations lead to greater satisfaction in life
Solidarity and respect for others foster a sense of community
Work-life balance is prioritized for overall well-being
A healthy relationship with money promotes contentment
Modesty is valued over self-promotion and ostentation
Gender equality contributes to societal harmony
Seventy-eight percent of Danes trust those around them. It's a world record—the average rate of trust in the other countries being studied was 25 percent or less.
High trust, low corruption. Denmark consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. This trust extends to institutions, with 84% of Danes expressing confidence in their government, police, and legal system. Such widespread trust reduces the need for extensive monitoring and compliance mechanisms, leading to significant cost savings and smoother social interactions.
Trust breeds responsibility. The Danish society operates on a foundation of mutual trust, which encourages citizens to behave responsibly. This is evident in everyday situations, such as:
Unattended roadside stands selling produce, relying on customers' honesty to pay
Coats left in unattended checkrooms at public venues
High rates of lost wallets being returned with money intact
Economic benefits of trust. High levels of trust in society contribute to economic efficiency and growth. For example:
Reduced transaction costs in business dealings
Increased willingness to pay taxes, knowing others are doing the same
Greater social cohesion and cooperation in various aspects of life
The key goal of the Danish education system is not for students to shine through the knowledge they have acquired, but for each individual to feel valued for his or her own particular skills and personality.
Holistic approach to learning. The Danish education system prioritizes the development of the whole person, not just academic skills. This approach includes:
Encouraging critical thinking and independent opinions
Fostering creativity and personal expression
Developing social skills and emotional intelligence
Unique educational institutions. Denmark has two types of schools that exemplify this approach:
Efterskole: Residential schools for 14-18 year-olds focusing on personal development, creativity, and vocational skills
Højskole: Schools for adults emphasizing lifelong learning, personal growth, and community living
Benefits of the Danish approach:
Higher student engagement and satisfaction
Better preparation for real-world challenges and decision-making
Increased social mobility, as success is not solely defined by academic achievement
Nearly 70 percent of young Danes leave home at the age of eighteen to lead independent lives, which to a large extent prevents social pressure from parents.
Early financial independence. Danish youth are encouraged to work part-time jobs from a young age, fostering a sense of financial responsibility and autonomy. This practice:
Develops money management skills
Reduces dependence on parents for financial support
Builds self-confidence and work ethic
State support for independence. The Danish government provides:
Free higher education
Monthly grants for students, regardless of parental income
A welfare system that supports young adults in their transition to independence
Cultural emphasis on autonomy. Danish society values:
Personal responsibility for life choices
Freedom to pursue one's own path without undue parental or societal pressure
The ability to make mistakes and learn from them as part of personal growth
The country in the world with the highest social mobility is actually Denmark.
Factors contributing to social mobility:
Free education at all levels
Strong welfare state providing a safety net
Cultural emphasis on equality and modesty
Comparison with other countries:
Denmark outperforms countries like France, Italy, Great Britain, and even the United States in social mobility
The "American Dream" is more achievable in Denmark than in America
Benefits of high social mobility:
Reduced societal tensions and class divisions
Greater overall life satisfaction
Increased economic dynamism and innovation
Since we Danes don't expect to be the best, to win accolades or to be admired by others, we are more satisfied with the status quo.
The power of low expectations. Danes tend to have more realistic expectations about life, which leads to:
Greater appreciation for small successes and joys
Less disappointment when things don't go perfectly
A more relaxed approach to life's challenges
Cultural roots of realism:
Protestant heritage emphasizing modesty and contentment
Historical experiences of national setbacks and losses
Social norms that discourage boasting or excessive ambition
Balance between realism and ambition:
Realistic expectations don't mean lack of dreams or goals
Focus on personal fulfillment rather than external validation
Appreciation for the journey, not just the destination
The vast majority of Danes are in favor of high taxes and are deeply committed to the welfare state. Sharing makes them happy, provided that everyone contributes.
High taxes, high satisfaction. Danes willingly pay some of the highest taxes in the world because:
They trust the government to use the money effectively
They see the tangible benefits in their daily lives
They believe in the principle of collective well-being
The Danish welfare state:
Provides comprehensive social services
Ensures a high standard of living for all citizens
Reduces inequality and social tensions
Civic engagement and volunteerism:
Danes are highly involved in voluntary associations
There's a strong sense of collective responsibility
Community involvement contributes to personal well-being and social cohesion
Family and leisure are an important part of Danish life. Danes leave work by 5 p.m. to spend time with their children.
Cultural emphasis on balance. Danish society values:
Quality time with family and friends
Pursuit of personal interests and hobbies
Relaxation and enjoyment of life outside work
Workplace policies supporting balance:
Flexible work hours
Generous vacation time (5 weeks per year)
Parental leave for both mothers and fathers
The concept of "hygge":
A uniquely Danish term emphasizing coziness and contentment
Central to Danish culture and social life
Contributes to overall life satisfaction and well-being
Danes are generally quite relaxed when it comes to money. For most, being rich is not a priority.
Money as a means, not an end. Danish culture emphasizes:
Personal fulfillment over financial success
Quality of life rather than accumulation of wealth
Contentment with having enough, rather than always wanting more
Reduced financial stress:
Strong social safety net alleviates financial worries
Less pressure to "keep up with the Joneses"
Focus on experiences and relationships rather than material possessions
Economic equality:
Smaller income gaps between professions
Progressive tax system redistributes wealth
Less emphasis on conspicuous consumption
"We are very proud of our modesty. It is our inverted megalomania. It is highly sophisticated!" - Queen Margrethe II of Denmark
Cultural aversion to boasting. Danish society discourages:
Showing off wealth or achievements
Considering oneself superior to others
Excessive ambition or competitiveness
The Law of Jante:
A set of cultural rules emphasizing humility and collective well-being
Discourages individual success at the expense of the community
Promotes a sense of equality and mutual respect
Benefits and challenges of modesty:
Creates a more egalitarian society
Reduces social pressure and anxiety
May sometimes hinder recognition of exceptional talents or achievements
Each person is free to choose the right role for themselves, without worrying about stereotypes or taboos.
Progressive gender roles. Danish society promotes:
Equal opportunities in education and career
Shared responsibility in childcare and household duties
Freedom from traditional gender stereotypes
Workplace equality:
High percentage of women in the workforce
Strong representation of women in politics and leadership roles
Efforts to close the gender pay gap
Social and personal benefits:
Increased personal fulfillment for both men and women
Better work-life balance for families
Reduced gender-based discrimination and harassment