A self-absorbed individual can never be content! Perhaps, a self-absorbed individual can experience “happiness” (which only lasts for moment), but not lasting contentment.  A lifestyle focused on “self”, leads to entitlement. Furthermore, entitlement will rob us of the living a content life.

Have you ever heard of Jante Law? Jante law was created in the 1930’s by Aksel Sandemose in his novel A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks. The novel was about a small town in Denmark that abided by 10 laws. Jante Law can be summarized by this basic premise: You are no better than anyone else!

             Here are some of the Jante Laws

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

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

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

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

Jante Law believed that in order to be content, one must be humble! Children in Denmark are taught these truths at a very young age.

The World Happiness Report Update in 2016 surveyed 156 countries. Not suprisingly, the results of this study showed that individuals in Denmark were happier than individuals in other countries.

It may be great to remind our children how great, special, smart, and unique they are! But I also know this can lead to entitlement. If I am so great, then I deserve this, and this, and that! And If I do not get this or that, then “it is not fair!”. Therefore, it is also critical that we teach our children (and adults) that true joy and contentment is in sacrificing, giving, investing into the lives of others, learning from others, and considering the needs of others! Also, entitlement will rob us of happiness! Denmark has figured out a great truth that when we become self-absorbed we lose our ability to preserve our happiness!

Many years before Jante law, there was another radical concept outlined in the Bible. In fact, this is, my favorite Bible verse. “Do nothing out of selfishness. But rather in humility of mind, regard  one another as more important than yourself. Do not look out for just your own interests, but also for the interests of others, ” (Philippians 2:3-4)

If you are depressed, I challenge you to go meet a need of another person. Get out of bed to serve or smile at someone. See what happens!

If you are feeling a bit of “mediocrity” in your life, stop focusing only on your needs and get to know someone a bit different from you. My guess is that you will learn something new in the process.

The best way to preserve your happiness is to stop focusing merely on your passions and ambitions and consider the needs of the people around you (both near and far).