38 THE SWEDISH NATIONAL»CHARACTER 



legist. This can be proved in several spheres of life, not least when he wishes 

 to show what he can do as a business man. There are Swedes, and not so few 

 either, who look wellnigh with contempt on everything that can be called bu» 

 siness. It does not appeal to his unselfish disposition and ideal nature. This 

 may be a fault or a merit in his character. It is certain that many a great deed 

 and noble work would never have been done in our country, if the »economical 

 sense» had been as strongly developed with us, as in some other nations. A lack 

 of flexibility in the spiritual life, a want of knowledge of its finer shades, is 

 apparent in the Swede, when he tries to characterise other people. He often draws 

 in black and white. In the spiritual life we lack the shades that come between. 



The intellect of the Swede is alert in nearly every sphere of life. He is 

 blessed by Nature with great intelligence. He can easily understand and absorb 

 new ideas and even initiate new lines of thought. He is both receptive and 

 productive, perhaps at the latter, he is stronger than any one else. 



It has been asserted, that one of the Swedes' greatest faults lies in »their lack 

 of national temperament* (Sundbarg), but such an assertion certainly rests on very 

 weak ground. When Sweden's existence has been threatened by external or in« 

 ternal enemies the Swedish people have given proof of possessing both a national 

 temper and the instinct of self«preservation. »We have toiled, we have hungered, 

 we have frozen to protect the land, that has always been our own. During this 

 strife for Sweden and its welfare, the Swedes have grown»up to become a nation 

 of gentry. The nature of slaves has no place in our people. Neither with rich 

 or poor, high or low.» (E. Trygger). 



Lastly, it may be sufficient to say, that Sweden is the oldest independent 

 kingdom in Europe. High»minded deeds hawe been accomplished by Swedes in 

 all times, to the advantage and glory of their own native land. 



