Individuality

It takes time for someone in a foreign country to totally understand the society, the culture and underlying themes. I have been observing for 17 months now in Finland, and there are few aspects which impresses me most. Independence or Individual identity, this is what I like most in Finnish society. The level of independence an individual possesses and professes in Finland is amazing. I don’t mean to say there is less importance of families, relationships or friendships but there is a seamless integration of individual identity with all these.

Even if someone is in a relationship they have their own independence. The relationships here are largely symbiotic. Everyone has the ability to lead their life without depending on anyone else. College going students, young professionals, middle aged couples and even senior citizens, they all live by themselves. One may argue that man is a social animal and needs to live in society. In my opinion, the pinnacle of human development is true ‘individuals’ making a society. This can aptly sum up the Finnish society.

I don’t think this evolution would have happened overnight. Finnish history is quite complex and full of ups and downs. They had quite a difficult past and all the adversity nurtured the ‘individuality’ and created a virtuous cycle. Now the excellent social security network adequately supports this individuality. But this comes at a price. Finland is one of the countries having highest tax rate.

On a related note, result of a survey to find the Finnish feel-good factors.

1. Home sweet home, a home of one's own
2. Sunny weather
3. An honest relationship
4. A trusting relationship
5. The freedom to be oneself
6. A freshly cleaned home
7. Friendship, gestures/words in a relationship
8. Friendship, actions in a relationship
9. Fidelity in a relationship
10. Security in a relationship


(Well every society has its downside. For Finnish society it would be that Finland has one of highest suicide rates in world.)