In The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success, economic philosopher, entrepreneur, investor, and former competitive athlete Anders Indset reveals how Norwegian performance athletes and other successful figures use ingrained cultural values to achieve outsized influence on the world stage, as well as how we all can learn from and apply this cultural wisdom to create a better world in the future. Moving far past stories of barbaric conquests and historical comparisons, this book explores concepts like Hvis du tror du er ferdig utlært, er du ikke utlært, men ferdig - a common trap where you assume you've learned everything there is to know and therefore make failure a near certainty.
The author builds on classic sustainability concepts to explore the intersection of progress and capitalism, redefining growth to realize a future worth living. You'll learn to make conscious decisions to achieve the kind of realistic future you want to live in and experience a level of personal progress that is the essence of true success. Finally, you'll discover why and how the Viking Code teaches us all valuable lessons about business, politics, and education, and sheds light on why performance is both important and enjoyable.
Backed by modern scientific research throughout, some of the concepts explored in this book include: - Structured play in finite games, versus infinite games with no definitive beginning or end - The power of tapping into an innate sense of wonder to remove inhibitions and fears - Success as a voluntary act and how diverse talent is found in every corner of the world
Most importantly, this is ultimately an optimistic book as it predicts a powerful and positive outcome as a period of cooperation, something now inconceivable, develops as it always does during crises and the future is enhanced by amazing new technologies and fabulous opportunities on the near horizon.
Centered around the idea of healthy and balanced ambition and tact, The Viking Code is an essential read for all individuals seeking to learn from the age-old wisdom of Norwegian culture and apply what they learn to better themselves and others.
Table of Contents
Preface: You’re allowed to Defy the Law of Jante vii
Part I Unearthing Hidden Talents 1
Chapter 1 Overcoming the Law of Jante: Trust Thyself 7
Chapter 2 Unleashing the Uncatchable: The Head-start Advantage 31
Chapter 3 Success Is Voluntary; Talent Can Be Found Everywhere 49
Chapter 4 Micro-ambitions 69
Chapter 5 Joyful, Joyful: From the Cultivation of Play to the Mastery of the Game 83
Chapter 6 “Dugnad”: Everyone Participates 103
Chapter 7 The Viking Code: The New Oil 111
Part II The Viking Code as a Practical Philosophy 115
Chapter 8 The Viking Code in Society: One World Education 123
Chapter 9 Change Factor: The Viking Code Meets Politics 145
Chapter 10 Operating System: The Viking Code and the Economy 175
Chapter 11 Infinite Progress 203
Epilogue: The Life in Itself 215
References 219
About the Author 225
Index 227
