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Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living
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Lagom (pronounced 'lar-gom') has no equivalent in the English language but is loosely translated as 'not too little, not too much, just right'. It is widely believed that the word comes from the Viking term 'laget om', for when a mug of mead was passed around a circle and there was just enough for everyone to get a sip. But while the anecdote may hit the nail on the head, the true etymology of the word points to an old form of the word 'lag', which means 'law'.
Far from restrictive, lagom is a liberating concept, praising the idea that anything more that 'just enough' is a waste of time. Crucially it also comes with a selflessness and core belief of responsibility and common good. By living lagom you can live a happier and more balanced life, reduce your environmental impact, improve your work-life balance, free your home from clutter, enjoy good food the Swedish way, grow your own and learn to forage, and cherish the relationships with those you love.
Lagom (pronounced 'lar-gom') has no equivalent in the English language but is loosely translated as 'not too little, not too much, just right'. It is widely believed that the word comes from the Viking term 'laget om', for when a mug of mead was passed around a circle and there was just enough for everyone to get a sip. But while the anecdote may hit the nail on the head, the true etymology of the word points to an old form of the word 'lag', which means 'law'.
Far from restrictive, lagom is a liberating concept, praising the idea that anything more that 'just enough' is a waste of time. Crucially it also comes with a selflessness and core belief of responsibility and common good. By living lagom you can live a happier and more balanced life, reduce your environmental impact, improve your work-life balance, free your home from clutter, enjoy good food the Swedish way, grow your own and learn to forage, and cherish the relationships with those you love.
29 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2017
13 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Linnea Dunne
5 books39 followersLinnea Dunne was born and raised in Sweden, where she started her writing career as a columnist at the local newspaper. She left for Ireland a few years later and eventually moved to London, where she studied Creative Writing and Political Communications. She now lives in Dublin with her husband and two half-Swedish kids, trying to achieve that lagom balance against all odds.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 2, 2018
Not too Much or too Little
Lagom is about balance and the simple ways to achieve it. Simple rules thoughtfully suggested in this sweet little book.
Lagom is about balance and the simple ways to achieve it. Simple rules thoughtfully suggested in this sweet little book.
August 22, 2025
Another Scandinavian paean to Scandinavian lifestyle--pretty lightweight.
I have Scandinavian roots, love Sweden, their minimalist culture, and their meatballs. I was hoping to learn something a little more substantial. However, these books just sound so self-congratulatory, silly, and smug. (With all due respect for their welfare state ideology--seems to work for them)
And who is the editor who thought black text on a charcoal, dark blue, or deep khaki background would be a good idea?
Definitely the last of this type of book for me. I read 'Lagom' in less than an hour. I'm thinking it probably took less than an hour to write it.
I have Scandinavian roots, love Sweden, their minimalist culture, and their meatballs. I was hoping to learn something a little more substantial. However, these books just sound so self-congratulatory, silly, and smug. (With all due respect for their welfare state ideology--seems to work for them)
And who is the editor who thought black text on a charcoal, dark blue, or deep khaki background would be a good idea?
Definitely the last of this type of book for me. I read 'Lagom' in less than an hour. I'm thinking it probably took less than an hour to write it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews