Very similar to Dutch saying “doe maar normaal” or “just be normal”. Dutch kids are educated to be more collaborative than competitive, that everyone has its own strengths, that there’s nothing better or worse about your decisions because it’s all about consequences.

In fact, with that cultural code, Dutch people are innovative. They’re more open to each other, less prejudiced, and more willing to collaborate provided each party can really show their strong contribution. They’re not falling behind. They move forward by building on top of each other’s strength, not by stepping on top of each other’s weakness.

Multiple times I’ve felt connected with Scandinavian people through Dutch culture, and didn’t know that there are really similar values. Thanks for writing about Janteloven!