I have seen some similarities between Swedes and Japanese people - both of them are shy, stiff, humble and taciturn. The mentality of "a nail sticks up gets hummered down (to be average is to be safe)" exists here as well. I would emphasize, however, "A nail sticks up too much doesn't get hammered down" in Japan while "every nail sticks up -no matter how much it sticks up- gets hammered down" in Sweden. This might be the reason why there're so few Rolls-Royces to be seen (they can be too obvious a sign of success) and why even rich people don't have 'flamboyant' life styles in Sweden. To be average is to be safe.
One thing I should add after referring to "Swedish average life" is I have lived in several countries and I find Sweden's life-standard is proudly high.
By the way, winter has arrived in Lund. We'd had the 1st snow today for this coming winter.
Everyone, keep yourself warm and look forward to Christmas!
( advent candlestick - pictured on the top )
