THE ALMOST NEARLY PERFECT PEOPLE by Michael Boot

THE ALMOST NEARLY PERFECT PEOPLE
(Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia)


By Michael Boot


Considering my past which saw me spending one beautiful year in the cold Sweden - including two trips to Finland -, this book was a great occasion to reflect on how Scandinavia and its peolple changed my way to be and my expectations. I can definitely say I found myself understanding the point of view of the author all the 406 pages long, even if, a couple of times, I could not agree with his hypothesis. Nonetheless, I think this is exactly what made up my reading experience, hence trying to compare my point of view with his way to analyze facts. Moreover, he referred several times to other scandinavian anthropological readings, I think I will get them all sooner or later.

A mix of history, politics, philosophy and much more makes of this book a pleasant and interesting reading, and, as it is usual among the books I normally select, a good portion of statistics contribute to improve readers' overall comprehension. Its language is far away from the "ultra-fluent" American English we would find in Dubner and Levitt's global best sellers, but by taking advantage of an infinitely wide range of adjectives - sometimes carefully selected from slang British - the author determines his way to be bold and provocative.

Along this reading you will be questioning in their deepest meaning topics like: Social Democracy, Neutrality, Censorship, Prohibitionism, Propaganda, Atheism, Capitalism, Feminism, Parenthood, Childhood, Happyness, Privatization and much more. You won't miss a chance to get your head working, trust me you won't.

Moreover, I also appreciated his way to show - on purpose - his imperfection, represented by the difficulties which pop up when trying to understand someone else's culture. I personally experienced this, believe me, if you are Italian it is hard to have an high-school teacher who tells you "I think that you should...." instead of "You must....". I mean, I was 18, and I kind of needed teachers to look pretty sure when teaching something to me. But now, after five years, I see their point, and I can say that if somehow I am to become a teacher, I'll also opt for the "I think that you should..."

So to start, I think that you should not miss this book if:

• you studied scandinavistics or you are interest in Scandinavia
• you are a politician or you want to become one
• you spent a part of your life - even a minimal one - in Scandinavia
• you are thinking of moving to one of these countries
• you study or you are stongly interest in anthropology
• you want to understand whether you prefer to be dependent on your state or on your family

Finally, a question came out of my brain at the end book after I read the epilogue, maybe the one question I would like to ask him if I was given a chance to ask only ONE question... You know, we Readers are curious people, we know how damn hard would be to ask just one question after 400 pages...

Here it is:

What's the matter with the Republican-Monarchical discussion... intend as: Why do you question how it comes that they couldn't escape from the monarchy, instead of asking how can it be that they did not find an innovative alternative to Republic State or Parliamentary Monarchy? .... which are by the way old solutions which are constantly failing to make our World a better place....

Best quotations on my opinion:

"To ask your host whether you should take off your shoes is to imply a reluctance to do so; the polite host might not want to impose, but will the secretly despise you for sullying their floors".

"To achieve authentic, sustained happiness, above all else you need to be in charge of your life, to be in control of who you want to be, and be able to make the appropriate changes if you are not.


Thanks to the author for his outstanding work.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you very much for reading! Hopefully my review was a determinant factor leading you to either purchase the book or simply borrow it. Keep reading, keep writing, keep thinking! Feel free to comment and share my post, I hope you enjoyed it.

Check my

Just in case you are wondering, I do not receive any kind of benefit from any sponsor for writing my reviews.

Following this book:

FREAKONOMICS

by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

THINKING, FAST and SLOW
by Daniel Kahneman

THINK LIKE A FREAK, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

THINK LIKE A FREAK
(How to think smarter about almost everything)



By Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner


Also this time, the authors of Freakonomics and Super Freakonomics won't miss the chance to let you think quite more intensively than you usually do. Just as the last two books, also "Think like a Freak" is in good part talking about incentives of all kinds. Considering this, this book can be read also independently but you should read the other two either after or before since they are very connected.

This time, their will to make the reader think is more explicit. Their approach sounds pretty much like "ok now take a couple of minutes/hours and think about this" then you may keep reading,  Their bold way to comunicate is the core of this reading, as an added value to the carefully selected cases reported within the 268 pages of the book.

I think that most of the situations described in this reading - most of them accompanied by clear statistics - are to be interpreted at least twice. In fact, they will provide an overview and eventually a solution of a specific problem (be this the security and safety of a concert's stage, or the need to let the entire world believe in what you say etc.),  before applying that problem and that solution to a more general context. They kind of give away life-shortcuts for complex situations that require a lot of thinking efforts. Personally, I loved the paragraph

If you are a curious person, asking yourself too many questions, this book my represent the key to answer some of those questions. Its language is direct and it totally lacks technical words, or at least, whenever one of these words is presented, it is also explained.


Best quotation on my opinion:

None of us want to look stupid, or at least overmatched, by admiting we don't know an answer. The incentives to fake it are simply too strong.

*Talking about: why is it so hard to say I don't know
_______________________________________________________________________________


I hope you found my post useful and that therefore you'll decide to buy/read this "commercial marvel" which makes you think. Please feel free to write me if you have any question! Keep reading and thinking.

Just in case you are wondering, I do not receive any kind of benefit from any sponsor for writing my reviews.

Following this book:

FREAKONOMICS

by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

THE ALMOST NEARLY PERFECT PEOPLE 

(Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia)

by Michael Booth

BRAZIL VS. SPAIN: A COMPARISON OF TWO POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND LEGAL CONTEXTS FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES

THE POWER OF JUST DOING STUFF - by Rob Hopkins

This is the very first time - and maybe the first of many - I decide to write a post about a book. This does not necesseraly mean that all the books I read in the past were not worth to be commented, but I did never think before about keeping track of my readings by writing a couple of rows on my blog. So beginning from today, I will try to share all of my readings with you. Sometimes the feedback you find on Amazon or on other websites is not exhaustive, so you may decide to read a little bit more before opting for a purchase. If you are looking for some emotional comment on some kind of novels you may prefer skipping my blog, since the books I read are mainly concerned with sociology, economics, politics, environment and pollution and finally also philosophy. Said this, I Hope I will be able to convince some of the readers who end up on my blog to read the same books I read, and why not to start a constructive conversation. Feedback are always welcome.

THE POWER OF JUST DOING STUFF
(How Local Action Can Change the World)

By Rob Hopkins

Rob Hopkins is the founder of the Transition Movement, a successful non-profit organization with some "special attributes". As it is written in the book "you can think of this movement as being an Open Source Software". So that people can just take its general structure, an adapt it to thousend different situations, benefiting from a collective name/branding, which also translates into shared expertising and further rights as member of the movement.

If your life-dream is all about doing something for people, or more generally making our planet a better place, I think this is the book you are looking for. I was not able to identify any type of propaganda within its 157 pages, so that I really think that any word in it may be considered pure. Of course you gan get a message like "you are pretty welcome to join us", but it really seems like the main focus of the book is to convince the reader about his capability to change things.

Since I definetly consider myself a person who would like to change things, this reading was able to clarify my doubts about the advantages and disadvantages of both "going big" and "keeping small" along your "world-changing projects". Personally, I totally reconsidered the option of keeping projects within a local scale - at least at the beginning - pushed by the several advantages which are to be explored in the pages of this book.

Concerning the language, it is smooth and pleasant. After a first part which includes some details, you won't be struggling with technical words. I seriously believe that anybody could read this book and getting the point and the juice of it.

Best Quotation on my opinion:

"At every level, the greatest obstacle to transforming the world is that we lack the clarity and imagination to conceive that it could be different" Roberto Unger

To create a positive, flourishing, nurturing and more resilient world, you'll first need a vision of what that could look like in practice.

_________________________________________________________________________________

I hope my post was able to finally let you opt for this book, I would be glad if you could comment the post after reading the book, Thank you in advance!

I'm greatful to the author Rob Hopkins for his wise suggestions,

Here the link of the Transition Movement's website if you want do discover more.
https://www.transitionnetwork.org/




Following this book:
Think Like a Freak. by Dubner and Levitt
Freakonomics: by Dubner and Levitt

THE SOCIO-ECONOMICAL IMPACT OF TOURISM IN SARDINIA

ERASMUS APPLICATION LETTER

Looking among my documents I found my moyivation letter for the application to the erasmus programme. I decided to post it on my blog in order to give some inspiration to someone who is going to write one but does not know from where to start. Usually two cover letters are required: a first one to your home university and a second one to the hosting university. Both my letters are to be found here below:

To my home university:

Enrico Porceddu

Fakestreet 18

12345, London

14^th January 2014

Object: letter of motivation for “ERASMUS Plus” Programme

Dear committee of selection,

This letter represents my will and wish to take part to an Erasmus exchange study programme during the third semester of my study course (Fall 2014/15). Searching, evaluating and choosing a partner university turned to be a harder issue than I could imagine, but at the end, the NHTV International University of Breda in the Netherlands, was able to attract my attention becoming my first choice.

My name is Enrico, I am 22 years old and I am currently studying at the first semester of the Tourism and Leisure Management bachelor programme. Since I am Italian and I study in Austria, after having studied for one year in Sweden and spent two years in Germany as a worker, a new experience as an Erasmus student would consolidate my European education as well as my professional competence. Taking part to the exchange semester would give me a chance to enlarge both my professional and academic networks, leaving space for new ideas, projects and collaborations to be developed. Moreover, I also love the idea of jumping into a new culture, together with the consequent challenges such as language, new communication patterns and much more.

My experience as traveller taught me that every place has something worth to be discovered, understood and enjoyed. Therefore, the main criteria that motivated my choices are actually my projects of working in a European context. In the following rows, I will motivate my decisions more in-depth.

My first choice, the NHTV University in Breda appears to be the best solution, matching both a step forward to my projects and my wish to face new challenges. Since the Netherlands represents one of the most flourishing European countries in terms of tourism and leisure, gaining a well-defined knowledge about its tourism market seems to be a good reason for spending my semester there. Concerning the university, it provides enough material in its website, giving a convincing preview about its offer and characteristics; personally, I think that its prospect reflects professionalism and high-competences. Another point that I took into consideration is the geographical location of the city. In fact, its position would allow me to apply more accurately for an internship in Belgium during the fourth semester, hopefully in the European Travel Commission; if this will not be possible, staying in the Netherlands and working for Booking.com would also be a great possibility. A new language to be learned is definitely another strong source of motivation and a new adventure worth to be undertaken; some Dutch basics could result useful along my professional career.

My second choice is the Yasar University of Izmir in Turkey. This chance is at least as wished as the first one. I think that studying in Turkey would constitute a real change, a substantial shift in my life, literally like jumping into another dimension. As for the Netherlands, also Turkey would be very useful experience in a European context. In fact, getting to know the society and politics of one of the possible next new entrants of the EU, would may turn to be a great advantage in professional terms. The university is well promoted, the website provides almost all information needed to take such a decision and last but not the least many positive feedbacks are available online. Another highlight to be considered is the Turkish tourism industry, which represents a relatively new trend within the European market with high-growth potential. Concerning the language, though five months would not be enough for learning Turkish, it would be nice to get some basics.

My third preference is the Spanish university of Zaragoza. A semester of study in Spain would be an occasion to get to know a country that I have always loved and where I have been travelling quite a lot when I was younger. When I attended the Student Fair in December, I really enjoyed the descriptions and talks by the Spanish exchange students, who woke up my curiosity and interest. Such an experience would also consolidate my Spanish language skills, giving me more security and increasing my self-confidence in a possible Hispanic environment.

With this letter, I officially apply for a position in an Erasmus Programme.

With the hope that my motivations have been convincing enough, I thank you in advance for the attention paid to my application.

Best Regards,

Enrico Porceddu

To the hosting university:

nrico Porceddu

Fakestreet 18

12345, London

  

17^th April 2014

Object: letter of motivation for “ERASMUS Programme” in the NHTV University of Breda

Dear NHTV Officers,

With this letter, I express my will and wish to take part to the Erasmus exchange study programme in the NHTV University of Breda, during the third semester of my study course at the IMC University of Krems (Fall 2014/15). Your institution, strong of its name and its image, was able to attract my attention and become my first choice.

My name is Enrico, I am 22 years old and I am currently studying at the second semester of the Tourism and Leisure Management bachelor programme. Since I am Italian and I study in Austria, after having studied for one year in Sweden and spent two years in Germany as a worker, a new experience as an Erasmus student would consolidate my European education as well as my professional competences. Taking part to the exchange semester at your Institution would give me a chance to enlarge both my professional and academic networks, leaving space for new ideas, projects and collaborations to be developed. Moreover, I also love the idea of jumping into a new culture, together with the consequent challenges such as language, new communication patterns and much more.

My experience as traveller taught me that every place has something worth to be discovered, understood and enjoyed. Therefore, the main criteria that motivated my choice are actually my projects of working in a European context and the will to get in touch with a rich culture such as the Dutch one. Here below I will motivate my choice more in-depth.

The NHTV University in Breda appeared to be the best possibility since the very beginning of my Erasmus application, matching both a step forward to my projects and my wish to face new life-challenges. Since the Netherlands represent one of the most flourishing European countries in terms of tourism and leisure, gaining a well-defined knowledge about its tourism market seems to be a good reason for spending my semester there, the experience would certainly provide me with a better comprehension of many specialized tourism-branches. Concerning the study offer, the NHTV provides enough material in its website, giving a convincing preview about its offer and characteristics. Personally, I belief that your Institution reflects professionalism and high-competences. Another point that I took into consideration is the geographical location of the city. In fact, its position would allow me to apply more accurately for an internship in Belgium during the fourth semester, hopefully in the European Parliament; if this will not be possible, staying in the Netherlands would be my second great option, where I would like to work for Booking.com or for a renowned tourism consultancy group. A new language to be learned is definitely another strong source of motivation and a new adventure worth to be undertaken; some Dutch basics could definitely result useful along my professional career.

With this letter, I officially apply for a position as Erasmus Exchange Student at your Institution.

I hope that my motivations were able to convince you about my will to be part of your Institution and I thank you in advance for the attention paid to my application.

Best Regards,

Enrico Porceddu

TERRORISMO MEDIATICO nella trappola del pensiero unico.

TERRORISMO MEDIATICO

nella trappola del pensiero unico.

Articoli e screenshot reperiti oggi (26/01/2015) nel sito del periodico Sardo L'unione Sarda agli indirizzi:

http://www.unionesarda.it/ 

http://www.unionesarda.it/articolo/notizie_economia/2015/01/26/l_italia_il_terzo_creditore_della_grecia_prestiti_e_quote_esposiz-2-405093.html ;

Ancora una volta l'informazione è in lutto, ancora una volta l'individuo è privato del suo intelletto e indotto al conformismo più nocivo. Trattandosi di comunicazione, quindi inevitabilmente anche di marketing, espongo di seguito in maniera concisa la mia lettura del messaggio distribuito in maniera locale, dimostrando a parer mio l'interdipendenza tra organi d'informazione (locali e non) e istituzioni.

1. In Grecia vince le elezioni la sinistra, che stringe patto con destra anti-euro = da adesso in Grecia entrambe destra e sinistra sono contro l'euro = il governo greco uscirà dall'euro;

2. Troika (organo di consiglio informale composto da membri di CE, BCE, IMF - impegnato nel piano di salvataggio dei membri EU in crisi) è preoccupata per le prime mosse del governo greco = se, noi che vogliamo salvare quelle nazioni siamo preoccupati, anche tutti i lettori dovrebbero esserlo);

3. Ultimo messaggio e colpo di grazia Italia terzo creditore della Grecia = Preoccupatevi della Grecia anche voi lettori, la Grecia vi è debitore per 40 mld = se la Grecia dovesse uscire dall'euro, perdereste 40 mld = il nostro bilancio peggiora ulteriormente e altre misure d'austerità dovranno essere adottate (più tasse per gli italiani); l'articolo qui di seguito.

 Il messaggio, escluso il secondo passo rivolto sicuramente ad una fascia di lettori più informati,  sembra abbastanza chiaro anche se indiretto.

Non sarebbe più giusto dare ai lettori dei dati quali: distribuzione della ricchezza, tassi di alfabetizzazione e disoccupazione, soglia di povertà, accesso alla sanità e all'istruzione, e poi chiedere loro di riflettere su quale sia la decisione più saggia? In effetti non esiste nessuna visione palese, al livello economico internazionale, sul quale sia la decisione e/o la direzione più appropriata.

Sforziamoci e impegniamoci prima di tutto nella lotta per l'indipendenza intellettuale, diamo vita alla nuova informazione, abbandoniamo la strada del conformismo per intraprendere il cammino delle domande e delle risposte nella via del dialogo.