Denmark: the country of happiness or materialism?
This article is strictly written for international people living or planning to move to Denmark. It is based on my own personal experience and opinion. If you are a Dane, keep an open mind and do not take this personally. Be the true viking that you were meant to be.
Let me start off by saying that I do not believe a country can provide happiness.
In my opinion, we provide our own happiness.
That’s a choice we have to make every day, no matter where we are. And if you cannot do it in whatever situation you are in at the moment, change the scenario.
We all know that Denmark is ranked among the happiest countries in the world, but why is that so?
As someone who has lived in this country for five years, trying to understand the secrets of its society, I can say that I may have finally come to a conclusion — which might upset many.
This country has been painted perfect, but the secret behind it is not hygge, it’s materialism.
And just for the record, it’s far from perfect.
The Art of Hygge: Exploring the Danish Concept of Coziness
For those who are not familiar with the Danish concept of “hygge,” it’s a word meant to represent the mood of coziness. I’m talking candles, fuzzy socks, æbleskiver, tea, flowers, painting, music — you get the picture.
Of course, I would be lying if I said I don’t incorporate the art of “hygge” into my own daily life at this point.
But I have noticed that it hasn’t really contributed to my overall happiness.
For a long time, I didn’t know why. I didn’t understand it.
What was I missing if I was having the most hyggelig time of my life in the happiest country in the world?
I was in the right place, doing all the right things.
And then it finally hit me.
The Art of Materialism: Unveiling Denmark’s Consumer Culture
Remember that famous statement “more money, more problems”?
The consumer culture in Denmark is very evident.
The economic system of this country is to buy things.
Spend that huge amount of money that you have earned simply because now you can.
What were you planning to do with that money anyway?
This is the kind of country in which, even if you are used to feeling like you can’t afford something, the truth is that you finally can.
So why wouldn’t you? Happy tears for all!
Part of the social norm here includes flashing the top brands, traveling, buying expensive bottles, driving the best cars, and eating out.
All these things contribute to the feeling of inclusion.
Happiness comes from pursuing wealth and material possessions, which in the long run — surprise, surprise — lead to less satisfaction and overall well-being.
The weather is not the actual problem that leads to depression. Let’s all stop lying to ourselves. Thank you.
Denmark is a country that promotes competition and high ambition, which leads to people being even more materialistic.
I mean, happy to achieve their goals.
Money can’t buy love, but it can’t buy happiness either.
There is literally no correlation between income and happiness.
Wealth has nothing to do with human basic needs, and it makes very little difference to one’s well-being.
What are some things very wealthy people have in common other than expensive cars and huge mansions?
Depression.
The Dark Side of Ambition: Unhappiness and Relationship Struggles
It’s human nature to always want more.
That’s where the constant battles with oneself and one’s ambitions lead to unhappiness.
Relationships get ruined down the line, which could justify the high divorce rates in Denmark.
People focus less on actual connections and interaction.
It is no surprise that Scandinavians in general are considered “cold” and unapproachable.
Narcissism is another factor that comes into the equation at this point.
If you have never felt discrimination in this country, it’s probably because you are a Dane.
Danes have this belief that their people are better at everything in comparison to immigrants, regardless of whatever proof you may have to debate it.
You just cannot win against a Dane in Denmark.
The sooner you get over it, the sooner you’ll start to find your own way around this country.
The truth is that this is a result of insecurity.
Having people from all over the world go to a foreign country without speaking the language and successfully accomplishing their goals is a threat to the Danes.
They are not brave enough to do the same, but they need to be good at something.
So, they will get that job instead of you. Be sure of that.
Therefore, what is left to do for a country like Denmark other than promote its wealth and turn it into something positive?
They use the best quality of their culture — hygge — which, by the way, is nothing really groundbreaking — and promote it in a way that would portray the country as an easy-going, stable little ball of happiness and opportunities.
Although that is not far from the truth, it creates unrealistic expectations for those who decide to move here.
Denmark is indeed a country that offers great possibilities and can really help one get out of one’s comfort zone.
But let me ask you: at the end of the day, do you choose wealth or happiness?
Thanks for reading until the end! I hope there was something useful in it for you. Enjoyed my article? Recommend me by clicking the clap icon below, and feel free to leave constructive criticism or your own opinion on the topic.
