The Nordic Theory of Everything

In Search of a Better Life

By: Anu Partanen

Narrated by: Abby Craden

A Finnish journalist, now a naturalized American citizen, asks Americans to draw on elements of the Nordic way of life to nurture a fairer, happier, more secure, and less stressful society for themselves and their children.

Moving to America in 2008, Finnish journalist Anu Partanen quickly went from confident, successful professional to wary, self-doubting mess. She found that navigating the basics of everyday life—from buying a cell phone and filing taxes to education and childcare—was much more complicated and stressful than anything she encountered in her homeland. At first, she attributed her crippling anxiety to the difficulty of adapting to a freewheeling new culture. But as she got to know Americans better, she discovered they shared her deep apprehension. To understand why life is so different in the U.S. and Finland, Partanen began to look closely at both.

In The Nordic Theory of Everything, Partanen compares and contrasts life in the United States with life in the Nordic region, focusing on four key relationships—parents and children, men and women, employees and employers, and government and citizens. She debunks criticism that Nordic countries are socialist “nanny states,” revealing instead that it is we Americans who are far more enmeshed in unhealthy dependencies than we realize. As Partanen explains step by step, the Nordic approach allows citizens to enjoy more individual freedom and independence than we do.

Partanen wants to open Americans’ eyes to how much better things can be—to show her beloved new country what it can learn from her homeland to reinvigorate and fulfill the promise of the American dream—to provide the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, economically secure, upwardly mobile life for everyone. Offering insights, advice, and solutions, The Nordic Theory of Everything makes a convincing argument that we can rebuild our society, rekindle our optimism, and restore true freedom to our relationships and lives.

Left me pondering my values...

I am a libertarian. But this book left me pondering my perspective. certainly some things I disagree with, but her philosophy is worth considering.

Should be a required read in schools

I very much agree with the author. This book should be required reading in schools, especially there's an abridged version. A real eye-opener. Highly recommend!

Eye opening and thought provoking!

Fascinating subject and details of the differences and similarities of the United States and the Nordic Countries that clarifies the notion of a “Socialized System” of government. It helped me realize the benefits of such a system on Free Countries, and how it benefits it’s citizens, who do remain free, hard working, and motivated.

Must read for all Americans

I can’t stress this enough - all Americans should read this book! I don’t care about your political leanings. It is filled with facts that we should all ponder.

Great book!

If you live in the USA and have a backgroynd in Scandinavia, this is a must read.