Happy voluntary solitude? Notes on a Nordic theme

This article describes three themes related to the Nordic concept of happy and chosen solitude. The first is the need for personal space and time associated with the desire to build a relationship with Nordic nature. The second is the idea of ​​independence and autonomy that is often connected to a suspicion of any form of social duty as a potential sign of weakness and limitation of personal freedom. Third, the article raises the issue of imposed or negative solitude as a challenge of Nordic societies. Drawing on the theory of state individualism (Trädgårdh), the analysis explores the connections between happy and desired solitude and the enforced solitude typical of Nordic societies.