It's all so true. When you write these posts I immediately think of events that whacked me up side of the head with the truth about our country.
Like sitting on the veranda of our B&B in Italy on a beautiful evening and, having talked with American guests about what Europe offered me, one seethed, "well, they've certainly turned you into a socialist, haven't they?". Had he not been a paying guest... yeah.
It seems we Americans are led thru life with blinders on, taught from birth that our system is the best and most sacred, with no necessity to even take a look at how others live. The few of us who are lucky enough to break out are more often than not appalled when we realize how dire life in America has become.
The curtain is finally lowering. Things have gotten so horrible that Americans are realizing( without the benefit of travel or the chance to live abroad) that life is in the edge of untenable.
I left. You are leaving. But our loved ones left behind... It's hard to think about them without feeling anxious.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time during my qigong teacher trainings with people from Norway, who seem to have a similar lifestyle and government as Denmark. They are definitely more chill and have tons of vacation and time to pursue hobbies and develop interests beyond work. A high school teacher I knew explained how retirement worked. He had to start decreasing his hours when he was I think 60, and each year he had to work a little less, but his retirement income was completely livable and increased as his work hours decreased.
And isn’t it Denmark where they’ve set up some dementia facilities to feel like actual small towns, so that residents have a sense that they’re part of a real community?
Brilliant Kirsten. Totally agree that "late-stage capitalism—capitalism untethered to morality, decency or any sense of the social good—is what created this mess." The energy crisis in the UK allowed energy companies to hike prices and create record billion dollar profits. The politicians watched (and continue to watch) as people cannot afford to pay the price increases. The 'cost of living crisis' lead to the phrase 'heat or eat' in winter. Craziness. Absolute insanity. In a world where we actually cared about our fellow humans, this sort of nonsense would be stopped, immediately. It was leaked in the UK press that politicians were claiming their energy bills as 'expenses' - on their second and third homes. People need to hold their governments to account, instead of being passive. Individually we can strive for happiness but not if don't recognise that a lot of our systems are toxic.
"It's worth asking why we have such low expectations of our government and society when citizens of other countries expect and get so much more."
I believe, for the most part, our elected officials listen to and work primarily for big money supporters. In that environment, Ms. or Mr. ordinary citizen doesn't stand a chance.
It's important to emphasize, as you do, that the solution to making America more livable for more Americans is a much more robust social safety net. To do that, taxes will have to be raised on the federal level (as states compete in part on tax rates) Military spending is not the problem; we currently spend an historically low percentage of our GDP on the military.
Some years ago when I discovered the GHI as contrasted with GDP, (Gross Happiness Index versus Gross Domestic Product), I gained more understanding why the U.S.A. ranks high on GDP and 15th on the Happiness scale. Why the U.S. is one of the only industrialized, supposedly civilized, countries without a good national health insurance plan is clear. It is about $$ and profits in healthcare and all you have to do is look at the profits (billions) of companies like United Health Care and Humana as examples. They, and the legislators supported by them, are not about to give up gazillons of dollars in their fleece-lined pockets. Andrew Witty, CEO of United Health Group 2022 pay was a substantial increase from $18.4 million in the previous year. Witty received $1.5 million in annual salary and around $2.7 million in non-equity incentives. He also earned almost $12.4 million in stock incentives and $4.1 million in option awards.Nov 22, 2023. The data could also include the state of mental health in the U.S. which A CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll put a number to it: 90% of Americans feel we are in a mental health crisis. They are right. A report in JAMA Health Forum has noted that 38% more people are in mental health care since the onset of the pandemic than before. Not a happy place!
Kirsten, I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your writing. You see the world in such a deeply human way and you bring us clarity in what can sometimes be a very foggy world. Thank you.
so very true. I have the privilege to connect with people from all over the globe in my work and it continues to show me how our way of thinking and living in the US is a construct of our deep belief that freedom and individuality is everything - even at the expense of our health, well-being and happiness. How much money, houses, cars and other stuff does anyone really need - and when will we step up and hold our elected officials and corporate execs accountable? I'm opting for a simpler, less striving life myself these days. Time to get off the treadmill.....
Thank you, Kirsten, for your thought-provoking essays. I'm not advocating for higher taxes necessarily, but one thing that I think about often is that although European countries often have tax rates north of 50%, ours is not that different (if you are lucky enough to have a decent job) when you factor in our progressive income tax structure, state income taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, etc. etc. BUT, what is different is that on top of paying relatively high amounts in taxes, we have to pay for day care, education, health care, retirement, etc. One could reasonably ask what we get in return for our taxes as compared to other countries. Dual citizenship recently obtained; maybe I'll see you in Puglia someday.
Kirsten, thanks again for your thoughtful insights and concerns. Unfortunately, it seems like individualism is baked into our American DNA. I think of Alexis de Tocqueville’s 19th century concern about America of “whether a society could hold together when existence becomes atomized and individual success crowds out the common good.” We are living out his prophetic warning. Sadly, we have also sacrificed compassion for those who need a safety net on the altar of lower taxes and our disdain for institutions like government is a rejection of our need for one another. Changes in America will not happen just through changing economic policies even if they were possible with such a pluralistic and divided populace. Our hope for change and greater happiness is through a changed moral consciousness of humility and love for neighbor rather than greed and individual pride. Thanks for raising these issues.
This article fascinated me. I’ve been conditioned to think that ‘big government’ is always bad. But it appears that Denmark offers some evidence for a healthy, larger, government that wins the trust of the people can do well. Doesn’t their story also include turning away from a class based system where the elite oppressed the poor? The people of Denmark also seem to embrace a simpler life where materialism is not the idol it is in the US and UK. It is very hard for societies to turn away from the love of material wealth as a driving force.
Fantastic, Kirsten. To be specific about places of agreement would require restating your entire essay. All I can say is, "YES! YES! YES!" We Americans, apparently, are unable to get out of our own way while in search of fulfilling lives that also treat others with dignity and kindness at the same time. How frustrating and sad.
I also see late stage capitalism and the size/ budget of our military as highly related in the sense that capitalism engenders a paranoid culture with a scarcity mindset that feels it must defend what it sees as being " mine" with force.
Having lived in Sweden for 18 years, and spending a lot of time in Denmark for work, I know the Scandinavians have got so much of what makes for quality of life right. After 22 years in Europe I returned to the US for my parents growing older & now I am responsible for my mom with dementia. But as soon as circumstances allow, I will be moving back to Europe to join my two daughters who live there (France & Spain). That is where I see my values reflected & aligned.
Kirsten, you are very right about Denmark. We happen to get married there. As this was much easier than in Germany where we lived for our sabbatical! It probably also made us happier :-) The Danes are interesting folks, and it is not that easy to find belonging as an outsider. But you are right that they care about an environment which allows human flourishing. If society creates environments of despair no therapy can lift it. Thus the American way has created classes which mirror Maslow's pyramid of fulfillment, where in the lower stages people can only care for their pure survival and have no time and energy left to care about anything else.
It is also true that the Danish happiness is not necessary the same as spiritual fulfillment for instance. But it at least offers the prerequisite to get there.
Your notes on individualism rang true, too. It reminded me of Martin Buber's warning, that individualism and conformism are both extremes which lead us into the field of loneliness which ends in despair. Every -ism is reductionism and thus as important individual formation is for a good life as misleading it can be when it becomes ego-centrism, selfishness or neglect of the other.
I think Mr 45 is a good example of the American Zeitgeist having lost its humanity.
Oh Kirsten.
It's all so true. When you write these posts I immediately think of events that whacked me up side of the head with the truth about our country.
Like sitting on the veranda of our B&B in Italy on a beautiful evening and, having talked with American guests about what Europe offered me, one seethed, "well, they've certainly turned you into a socialist, haven't they?". Had he not been a paying guest... yeah.
It seems we Americans are led thru life with blinders on, taught from birth that our system is the best and most sacred, with no necessity to even take a look at how others live. The few of us who are lucky enough to break out are more often than not appalled when we realize how dire life in America has become.
The curtain is finally lowering. Things have gotten so horrible that Americans are realizing( without the benefit of travel or the chance to live abroad) that life is in the edge of untenable.
I left. You are leaving. But our loved ones left behind... It's hard to think about them without feeling anxious.
Thank you for your post.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time during my qigong teacher trainings with people from Norway, who seem to have a similar lifestyle and government as Denmark. They are definitely more chill and have tons of vacation and time to pursue hobbies and develop interests beyond work. A high school teacher I knew explained how retirement worked. He had to start decreasing his hours when he was I think 60, and each year he had to work a little less, but his retirement income was completely livable and increased as his work hours decreased.
And isn’t it Denmark where they’ve set up some dementia facilities to feel like actual small towns, so that residents have a sense that they’re part of a real community?
Brilliant Kirsten. Totally agree that "late-stage capitalism—capitalism untethered to morality, decency or any sense of the social good—is what created this mess." The energy crisis in the UK allowed energy companies to hike prices and create record billion dollar profits. The politicians watched (and continue to watch) as people cannot afford to pay the price increases. The 'cost of living crisis' lead to the phrase 'heat or eat' in winter. Craziness. Absolute insanity. In a world where we actually cared about our fellow humans, this sort of nonsense would be stopped, immediately. It was leaked in the UK press that politicians were claiming their energy bills as 'expenses' - on their second and third homes. People need to hold their governments to account, instead of being passive. Individually we can strive for happiness but not if don't recognise that a lot of our systems are toxic.
"It's worth asking why we have such low expectations of our government and society when citizens of other countries expect and get so much more."
I believe, for the most part, our elected officials listen to and work primarily for big money supporters. In that environment, Ms. or Mr. ordinary citizen doesn't stand a chance.
It's important to emphasize, as you do, that the solution to making America more livable for more Americans is a much more robust social safety net. To do that, taxes will have to be raised on the federal level (as states compete in part on tax rates) Military spending is not the problem; we currently spend an historically low percentage of our GDP on the military.
Some years ago when I discovered the GHI as contrasted with GDP, (Gross Happiness Index versus Gross Domestic Product), I gained more understanding why the U.S.A. ranks high on GDP and 15th on the Happiness scale. Why the U.S. is one of the only industrialized, supposedly civilized, countries without a good national health insurance plan is clear. It is about $$ and profits in healthcare and all you have to do is look at the profits (billions) of companies like United Health Care and Humana as examples. They, and the legislators supported by them, are not about to give up gazillons of dollars in their fleece-lined pockets. Andrew Witty, CEO of United Health Group 2022 pay was a substantial increase from $18.4 million in the previous year. Witty received $1.5 million in annual salary and around $2.7 million in non-equity incentives. He also earned almost $12.4 million in stock incentives and $4.1 million in option awards.Nov 22, 2023. The data could also include the state of mental health in the U.S. which A CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll put a number to it: 90% of Americans feel we are in a mental health crisis. They are right. A report in JAMA Health Forum has noted that 38% more people are in mental health care since the onset of the pandemic than before. Not a happy place!
Kirsten, I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your writing. You see the world in such a deeply human way and you bring us clarity in what can sometimes be a very foggy world. Thank you.
so very true. I have the privilege to connect with people from all over the globe in my work and it continues to show me how our way of thinking and living in the US is a construct of our deep belief that freedom and individuality is everything - even at the expense of our health, well-being and happiness. How much money, houses, cars and other stuff does anyone really need - and when will we step up and hold our elected officials and corporate execs accountable? I'm opting for a simpler, less striving life myself these days. Time to get off the treadmill.....
Thank you, Kirsten, for your thought-provoking essays. I'm not advocating for higher taxes necessarily, but one thing that I think about often is that although European countries often have tax rates north of 50%, ours is not that different (if you are lucky enough to have a decent job) when you factor in our progressive income tax structure, state income taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, etc. etc. BUT, what is different is that on top of paying relatively high amounts in taxes, we have to pay for day care, education, health care, retirement, etc. One could reasonably ask what we get in return for our taxes as compared to other countries. Dual citizenship recently obtained; maybe I'll see you in Puglia someday.
Kirsten, thanks again for your thoughtful insights and concerns. Unfortunately, it seems like individualism is baked into our American DNA. I think of Alexis de Tocqueville’s 19th century concern about America of “whether a society could hold together when existence becomes atomized and individual success crowds out the common good.” We are living out his prophetic warning. Sadly, we have also sacrificed compassion for those who need a safety net on the altar of lower taxes and our disdain for institutions like government is a rejection of our need for one another. Changes in America will not happen just through changing economic policies even if they were possible with such a pluralistic and divided populace. Our hope for change and greater happiness is through a changed moral consciousness of humility and love for neighbor rather than greed and individual pride. Thanks for raising these issues.
If this is a glimpse into the book proposal you've been working on, I hope it's published tomorrow!
This article fascinated me. I’ve been conditioned to think that ‘big government’ is always bad. But it appears that Denmark offers some evidence for a healthy, larger, government that wins the trust of the people can do well. Doesn’t their story also include turning away from a class based system where the elite oppressed the poor? The people of Denmark also seem to embrace a simpler life where materialism is not the idol it is in the US and UK. It is very hard for societies to turn away from the love of material wealth as a driving force.
Fantastic, Kirsten. To be specific about places of agreement would require restating your entire essay. All I can say is, "YES! YES! YES!" We Americans, apparently, are unable to get out of our own way while in search of fulfilling lives that also treat others with dignity and kindness at the same time. How frustrating and sad.
I resonate with your words, kirsten.
I also see late stage capitalism and the size/ budget of our military as highly related in the sense that capitalism engenders a paranoid culture with a scarcity mindset that feels it must defend what it sees as being " mine" with force.
Having lived in Sweden for 18 years, and spending a lot of time in Denmark for work, I know the Scandinavians have got so much of what makes for quality of life right. After 22 years in Europe I returned to the US for my parents growing older & now I am responsible for my mom with dementia. But as soon as circumstances allow, I will be moving back to Europe to join my two daughters who live there (France & Spain). That is where I see my values reflected & aligned.
Kirsten, you are very right about Denmark. We happen to get married there. As this was much easier than in Germany where we lived for our sabbatical! It probably also made us happier :-) The Danes are interesting folks, and it is not that easy to find belonging as an outsider. But you are right that they care about an environment which allows human flourishing. If society creates environments of despair no therapy can lift it. Thus the American way has created classes which mirror Maslow's pyramid of fulfillment, where in the lower stages people can only care for their pure survival and have no time and energy left to care about anything else.
It is also true that the Danish happiness is not necessary the same as spiritual fulfillment for instance. But it at least offers the prerequisite to get there.
Your notes on individualism rang true, too. It reminded me of Martin Buber's warning, that individualism and conformism are both extremes which lead us into the field of loneliness which ends in despair. Every -ism is reductionism and thus as important individual formation is for a good life as misleading it can be when it becomes ego-centrism, selfishness or neglect of the other.
I think Mr 45 is a good example of the American Zeitgeist having lost its humanity.