Oprah Talks Happy Denmark
Oprah Winfrey will be discussing the Danes and their secret to happiness on her Wednesday show. She was in Copenhagen not too long ago trying to secure Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics. At the same time, she thought she'd kill two birds with one stone by interviewing some Danes and finding out what their secret to happiness is. The theory that Danes are the happiest folk-fare in the world comes from various surveys conducted over the past few years.
The secret among other things is a good economy, subsidized health care, free post-secondary education with pay, a reasonable work to free time ratio, 5-6 paid weeks vacation per year, a livable minimum wage at over 100 Dkr per hour (average is around $31 U.S. before taxes), a years paid maternity leave and access to reasonably priced and efficient public transportation.
Now granted, Danes don't run around with a crazy looking happy grin on their faces or wearing "Don't worry, be happy t-shirts." It's not like that at all, but they are content and I think that their sense of contentment stems from a feeling that they have control over their lives. They feel secure and know that for the most part the government is treating the masses fairly, while at the same time functioning efficiently with minimum corruption.
Everyone goes through good times and bad times. In Denmark, the society is structured in such a way so that when the tough times strike they aren't so painful. If a person is laid off there is no way they'll end up on the streets living in a box, unless they are into the cardboard box lifestyle. There is plenty of help available until work comes along.
The society is set up so that corporations don't rule the roost and employees have a good work place environment, with reasonable hours and a wage that they can actually live on. In other words, corporations won't be making record breaking profits while the employees barely can get by.
On the other hand, when the good times roll in again along with the money, that doesn't mean that one doesn't reap the benefits. It just doesn't necessarily mean that one will end up with 10 cars in the driveway and 5 mansions on the hill. In other words, the society is fair and studies have shown that societies that are equal- where there is not a huge discrepancy between the haves and have nots- thrive and just make people, well...happy!
Another thing is, if a person finds themself in a job they don't enjoy, they aren't trapped. The option to go back to school is available without being a huge financial burden on the incumbent or his/her family. One wouldn't be too financially drained by making that choice. In other words, if little or big Johnny wants to be a Doctor but the family has limited financial means, it doesn't mean that he can't do it. The Danish society will pay for him to go to medical school for free. This only makes sense because we all need Doctors and why not train our own first before we look elsewhere. I'm sure a lot of talent is thrown by the wayside, simply because people can't afford to pursue their dreams.
Some would argue that the taxes are too high in Denmark and that perhaps Danes are so happy because they just don't want much out of life. I don't agree with that. The taxes are high yes, but they are highest for the ones who can afford to pay it. I just think that for the most part, many Danes choose to prioritize their life differently. They live to live by enjoying travel, hobbies and spending time with their family, rather than gaging their successes by their material wealth.
Denmark and Danes are not perfect but they realize one important fact, and that is what's good for the goose is good for the gander, or in other words if we allow some people to sink in this society, then we will all eventually sink...
