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Why are we so bad at appreciating what is good in Sweden?

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No, all is not well in Sweden. Crime is rising, healthcare queues are long and the winter is eternally long. But still, there is a lot that is quite good, if we look at it all from a slightly larger perspective. Aren't we a little bad at appreciating that?

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All countries have good and bad sides

Every country has good and bad sides, which is one of the things you notice when travelling, and perhaps even more so if you try living in another country. Seeing how things work in other countries gives you some perspective. You can be inspired by things that are good and perhaps bring new ideas back home, while also seeing more clearly what is actually good at home.

Reflections from South Africa

Right now we are travelling in South Africa. We are tourists and we are only here for a limited period of time, so of course we only see certain aspects. However, we are doing our best to ask questions and learn about the country we are travelling in.

Some things are fantastic Here. The nature is marvellous, the climate feels almost "perfect" and the people we have met have been incredibly friendly, generous, open and easy-going. At the same time, it's impossible to ignore the challenges: widespread poverty, antagonism between people of different colours, escalating crime, unstoppable corruption and the endless need for gates, locks, alarm systems and guards.

People on either side of a fence can live like on two different planets. On one side unimaginable luxury, on the other misery surrounded by a few pieces of corrugated iron. On one planet, quality schools and modern healthcare. On the other, large classes and patients crowded together in hospital corridors. So close, yet so far away.

Shouldn't we be better at appreciating what we have in Sweden?

You may not be able to compare countries that have completely different conditions. Many countries have a much larger, and much poorer, population than Sweden. Other countries also have a different history and different neighbours. Comparing is not fair. But you can always reflect on your own situation.

Of course, we should not stop complaining, or stop acting, when things are badly managed in Sweden. The drive for change and improvement is perhaps the most important thing of all if the country is to continue to function in the future.

But having said that, we wonder whether we shouldn't be tiny better at appreciating what we have in Sweden? Isn't it a privilege to live in a country where everyone has access to education (including higher education), modern healthcare and a proper home, with electricity and running water? In a country where corruption is not the rule but the exception?

It is so easy to take things for granted, but for so many people in the world, these things are not at all obvious.

How do you think?

How do you think? What do you appreciate about living in Sweden? How can you wish for change and improvement, without forgetting to appreciate what is good?

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