My last name is Danish from my father's side. My mother's side is Norwegian so I'm about 100% Scandinavian. Their history shows struggles with the rich and the common folks who eventually won and created socialism for their democracy. So they have universal healthcare, college education, huge paternity leave I think 6 months. They pay high taxes but their wages are higher too. They seem to really identify with each other's problems. Their classrooms are revolutionary. They actually let the kids play with their lessons, and get this--NO HOMEWORK. Why did my great grandmparents leave Scandinavia???

I remember after I broke up from my 9 year relationship I bought a book "How to be Happy." I remember looking at the cashiers face when i gave him the book to scan. He raised his eye brows and took a double look at me and frowned. That was 9 years ago that i bought that book. My depression was dark and the book didn't really help. I think what finally helped me was when I found a purpose in academia in philosophy. That's why I clung to it even during my psychosis. Even though there was no chance of getting letters of recommendation I couldn't let go for the longest time. It was really nice having a meaning to life to look towards where I could play in my field. It meant the world to me that I had hope of living such a dream "Living on the isle of the blest" as Aristotle calls it, where one can live the contemplative life that mostly only gods are capable of.