Chapter 5 - Denmark? More like... LIBERALMARK!

 

 

1.

        In describing Denmark's society, Steves refers to it as following a different conception of the social contract than America. A social contract is a concept in political philosophy that justifies the authority of the state in terms of consent, usually implicit, given by the citizenry. Steves uses the idea as a more general way of describing how people view their society and what people must sacrifice to live harmoniously. Denmark, he says, operates under a more Roussean concept of the social contract whereas America operates under a more Lockean concept of the social contract (pages 131 & 132). What this means is that Danish people view their society as something they must sacrifice some things for to achieve the greater good. In America, Steves says, we operate on a ruggedly individualistic basis wherein the state should try to stay out of personal affairs as much as possible. This also implies less obligations to ones countrymen. There's definitely some truth to Steves's assessment of American culture, but it's a bit to broad. For one, the rise in popularity of Denmark-like welfare state approaches, with their concomitant taxation levels, shows that a large part of America is far less friendly to the "Lockean" idea than it seems. Also, the popularity of patriotism in America points towards a popular conception of person and government that puts stronger obligations on citizens towards their country than the ascribed mentality of "Just keep the government off our backs." (page 132) implies.

3.

        Taken the wrong way, hygge seems like a key concept in a society dominated by hedonism. I suppose it doesn't have to though. 

        So, here is Hayden Michael Menezes's guide to creating hygge in a teenager's life:

                The most important part about encouraging hygge is a daily schedule. Spontaneity is important, but true happiness comes day-in day-out.

                6:00 am - Wake up

                6:05 am - 5 minute shower at 75 degrees F

                6:10 am - 1st dose of 500 mg THC (it's medical don't worry)

                6:15 am - Breakfast: a fried egg, brioche toast, and shiitake mushrooms

                6:20 am - Go outside on a 10 km run; if I see someone, I do the first thing to them that comes                                 to mind

                8:00 am - Come home to brush teeth and do my 2nd dose of THC (amount unspecified)

                8:20 am - Do 100 jumping jacks and 100 squats while watching gory B-movies.

                9:00 am - Go to the city to collect my unemployment subsidies and hit up the THC 

                                 dispensary. 

                12:00 pm - I return home to take a 30 minute power nap.

                12:30 pm - After this, I kinda just do what I want to.

                2:00 am - Sleep

            As you can see, the true spirit of hygge embodies the concept of Kantian autonomy. I obey no authority outside my own freedom, and the result is extreme contentment. Also, following in the spirit of the great individualists before me, I have little-to-no meaningful relationships.