Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XV. Sweden in 1914
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(diff)
(history)
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(skillnad)
(historik)
history of the last two or even three centuries are present
in the memory of the Swedish nobility as if they had
occurred only ten or twenty years ago. And among
the “intellectuals,” among those who have been to a
university, among the substantial middle-classes of the
large towns, the patriotic feeling assumes the same form
and the same dimensions. It is naturally less conscious
and particularly less “historic” among the lower classes.
The man of the people who understands by instinct that
Sweden cannot nourish and provide decently for more
than a certain number of inhabitants, and who at the
same time does not desire or know how to limit the
birth-rate, emigrates fairly readily to America. He
often emigrates merely to avoid military service. But
he can never forget his country. And this emigration,
customary and accepted though it be, weighs with true
though unconscious melancholy on the existence of the
Swedish people.
Centuries of stern education have developed among
the people habits of honesty, integrity and politeness;
but by nature also they are good and inclined to be
generous. During the three years that I spent in
Sweden, I never saw a child ill-treated or an animal
ill-used—and that in a country where a great deal of strong
drink is indulged in! In the economic sphere the Swede
possesses no commercial aptitude, but in return he
often displays technical skill. Formerly the Swedes
were nicknamed “the Frenchmen of the North” because
in the eighteenth century all well-educated Swedes
spoke French, and also because many young nobles went
to serve the King of France. But one might far more
correctly have called them “the Spaniards of the North,”
as they are passionately devoted to the honour and glory
of their country, they are proud, exclusive, somewhat
taciturn, admirable soldiers, and excel in the sense of
national dignity and of the nobleness of their race.
Such have they shown themselves throughout the course
of their history, and such they are at the present time.
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