The Law of Jante, formulated by Dano-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose in 1933, provides an excellent overview of ‘mankind’s inherent evil and ability to push each other down.’ The way the Law of Jante is practiced these days, it is difficult to forget what it stands for.

The Law of Jante:

1. You’re not to think you are anything special.

2. You’re not to think you are as good as we are.

3. You’re not to think you are smarter than we are.

4. You’re not to convince yourself that you are better than we are.

5. You’re not to think you know more than we do.

6. You’re not to think you are more important than we are.

7. You’re not to think you are good at anything.

8. You’re not to laugh at us.

9. You’re not to think anyone cares about you.

10. You’re not to think you can teach us anything.

I’ve met people who have done nothing with their dream simply out of fear of what their neighbor will say. I grew up in the small community of Misvær in Northern Norway. The Law of Jante, as well as Tor Jonsson’s ‘bygdedyr’ have both taken root here. It made me mad and reckless – it gave me the impetus to show what I could do! The more adversity I faced, the harder I worked.

I hate the Law of Jante and its entire spirit. Its negative, repressive attitude is one of the biggest obstacles there is to people growing and making the most of their potential. It limits people’s opportunities to advance with their dreams, plans and visions. That’s why the Law of Jante has created losers and done a great deal of harm to many people. Whether you are affected by it – or practice it:

it’s best – if you ask me – to screw the Law of Jante.

Bokstavelig talt.