The Lagom Philosophy: Sustainability and Balance

Turkchem 28 Jul 2023 37 1 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

Lagom Philosophy: Sustainability and Balance To understand the Lagom philosophy, it is sufficient to examine the origin and meaning of this word. The term Lagom means "neither too little nor too much," "in balance," or "just right" in Swedish. The philosophy of Lagom, derived from the Viking expression "Laget om," which meant "a sip that could be drunk in one go," has its roots reaching back to the Vikings. This concept, originating from Scandinavia and identified with simplicity, describes a life philosophy that emphasizes a balanced lifestyle.

The Purpose of Lagom Philosophy

Although Lagom philosophy shares some similarities with minimalism, it rejects the understanding of "the goodness of less" entirely, arguing that the ideal lies in balance, and advises us to focus on what we truly need rather than making do with little. This approach offers a more moderate alternative to the consumption-obsessed lifestyle frequently seen today.

The Core Principles of Lagom Philosophy

The Swedish have adopted this "balanced living" philosophy in many areas such as decoration, architecture, and design. Sweden's position among the world's happiest countries suggests we should take a closer look at this philosophy.

Irish author Linnea Dunne shared several important principles in her 2016 work "Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living" that would help us adopt this philosophy:

Prioritize spending time with your loved ones. Keep track of your life goals in a list, but avoid adding unrealistic items. Make simplicity and functionality your priority in every product you purchase, and do not turn to things you do not need. Even if your financial situation is good, avoid luxury consumption and use your extra spending for investing in yourself. Avoid following content that harms you on digital platforms such as social media and do not distance yourself from real life. Apply your sustainability habits in every area of your life, such as water consumption, waste management, and conscious shopping. Source