A Friend Like Sweden

90-second read

I reckon we all need a friend like Sweden.

Sweden is the kind of friend who keeps to themselves but shows up to help without making it a big deal.

Safety in cars wasn’t always a priority. Early seat belts existed, but the breakthrough came in 1959, when Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin designed the modern 3-point seat belt.

It was easy to use, and far more effective in a serious crash. More than 60 years later, the basic design is still used in cars around the world.

The best part is that Volvo patented the design and then made it freely available so that every other car manufacturer could adopt it. It has saved many lives.

Sweden has also produced a lot of useful inventions. The adjustable wrench, safety match, implantable pacemaker and zipper all have Swedish fingerprints on them.

But don’t mistake useful and generous for soft.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for the Swedes. They spent centuries fighting wars. Their last one was in 1814, and they’ve managed to stay out of one ever since.

And they can throw hands too. The Swedes invented dynamite, and they still build serious military equipment, including Gripen fighter aircraft and those silent submarines.

Sweden proves that generosity and strength can coexist. You can be generous and still stay strong.

That kind of balance is rare.

And it’s why I reckon we all need a friend like Sweden.