The Swedish philosophy of lagom: how "just enough" is all you need

The Swedish philosophy of lagom: how "just enough" is all you need

In a world that constantly encourages us to crave more and strive for excess, the Swedish philosophy of lagom offers a refreshing perspective. Translating to "just the right amount," lagom is about finding balance and moderation in all aspects of life. It's a mental shift that encourages contentment and satisfaction, rather than an insatiable desire for more.

At its core, lagom teaches us that what we do affects other people. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and finding just enough means being mindful of how our choices impact those around us. Lagom can be seen as a kind of "fair use" policy, where we consider not only our own needs but also the needs of others.

One of the key aspects of lagom is the ability to enjoy the "just right." In a society that often equates bigger with better and measures status by bank balance, lagom invites us to embrace the concept of enough. It's about finding contentment in what we have, rather than constantly grasping for more.

However, it's essential to note that lagom isn't about settling for mediocrity or denying ourselves the things we desire. Instead, it's a mindset that encourages us to find a healthy middle ground, where we can experience fulfillment without excess. It's about striking a balance that allows us to thrive in all areas of life.

In our pursuit of lagom, it's crucial to consider the different aspects of our lives. It's easy to become consumed by work, neglecting our relationships, health, or hobbies. Lagom reminds us to take a holistic approach, ensuring that we give equal attention to all areas of our life.

Now, let's shift our focus to another topic that complements the philosophy of lagom - the art of retaining knowledge through reading. When we read a book, we have the opportunity to expand our understanding and gain new insights. However, it's all too easy to forget what we've learned once we close the book.

To retain more of every book we read, there are several actionable strategies we can employ. The first is to keep notes while reading. This can be done in any way that works for you. It doesn't have to be a complicated system; simply jotting down key points or interesting ideas can make a significant difference. Patrick O'Shaughnessy, a renowned investor, once said, "Reading changes the past." By taking notes, we actively engage with the material and increase our chances of retaining the information.

Another effective technique is to summarize the main ideas of the book. This can be done by asking yourself questions like, "What are the key takeaways?" or "If I were to implement one idea from this book right now, what would it be?" By distilling the essence of the book into a few key points, we create a mental anchor that helps us remember the content.

Additionally, explaining the book to someone else can be a powerful way to solidify our understanding. As Richard Feynman, a Nobel laureate in physics, once said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." By articulating the concepts and ideas to another person, we reinforce our own comprehension and make the knowledge more accessible in our minds.

Now, you may be wondering how these two seemingly unrelated topics - lagom and retaining knowledge through reading - intersect. At first glance, they may appear distinct, but they share a common thread - the pursuit of balance and moderation.

In the case of lagom, it's about finding the right amount of everything in our lives. It's about not overindulging or depriving ourselves but rather striking a harmonious balance. Similarly, when it comes to reading, the goal is not to consume an overwhelming amount of information but to absorb and retain what is truly valuable.

By practicing lagom in our reading habits, we can avoid the temptation to read countless books without truly digesting their content. Instead, we can focus on a few key texts, take the time to internalize their lessons, and apply them in our lives.

In conclusion, the philosophy of lagom offers a valuable perspective in a world that often celebrates excess. It encourages us to find satisfaction in "just enough" and to prioritize balance and moderation in all aspects of life. By incorporating the principles of lagom into our reading habits, we can enhance our ability to retain knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the books we consume.

To embrace the spirit of lagom and retain more of what we read, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Take notes while reading: Whether it's jotting down key points or summarizing chapters, actively engaging with the material through note-taking will significantly improve your retention.

• 2. Distill the main ideas: Ask yourself questions like, "What are the key takeaways?" or "How would I explain this book to a friend?" By distilling the essence of the book into a few concise points, you create mental anchors that make the information easier to remember.

• 3. Share your knowledge: Explain the concepts and ideas to someone else. By teaching others, you reinforce your own understanding and deepen your knowledge.

By incorporating these practices into your reading routine, you can harness the power of lagom and retain more of what you read. Remember, it's not about quantity but quality - finding just the right amount of knowledge that truly enriches your life.