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Is Danish Happiness An Inside Job
Is Danish Happiness An Inside Job
INSIDE JOB?
Some weeks ago I was conducting research in Danish schools trying to gain a
deeper understanding of how Danes actively teach empathy in schools.
The idea that one person should be a winner and stand out just isnt what they
strive for in Denmark. Instead, f you happen to be talented or gifted in a
subject, then you have a certain responsibility to help others who arent as
talented.
Before I left, I asked one of the teachers if there was ever something a
student would be awarded for. As I didnt see one trophy case in the hallway
or one sign of an outstanding student or a sports star I was indeed curious.
He laughed. I think the only time someone might be awarded for anything
would be for being a nice friend. But generally we dont want students to
compete with each other. We want them compete with themselves.
I was really struck by this. Is there any better way to build genuine self-esteem
than to compete with yourself without the need for an award or to beat
someone else? Isnt it more powerful to believe in your own progress than to
measure yourself against others? This seems like the real foundation for
internal wellbeing. True happiness, after all, is an inside job.