Janteloven: The Law of Jante and the Repression of Individuality

Janteloven, or The Law of Jante, is a cultural concept originating from a literary work by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose in 1933. Introduced in his novel A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks (En flyktning krysser sitt spor), the “law” is not an actual legal code, but rather a social philosophy that critiques the deep-rooted norms of conformity, humility, and the suppression of individual success within Scandinavian society.

Janteloven has since become a widely discussed and debated cultural symbol, often evoked in conversations about social pressure, envy, and the limits placed on personal ambition.

The Origin of Janteloven

Aksel Sandemose created Janteloven as a fictional law governing the small, suffocating town of Jante, which he based closely on his own Danish hometown, Nykøbing Mors. Sandemose described Jante as a universal town, a symbolic mirror of the small-mindedness and communal envy he saw not just in Denmark, but in society at large. He famously remarked:

“Jante and Nykøbing are the same town, at least in terms of their outlines, nature, and inanimate things. As for people, they might as well be from Ribe or Arendal.”

This sense of universality is reflected in how readers from various towns — from Arendal and Tromsø to Viborg — recognized their own communities in Sandemose’s fictional creation.

The Ten Commandments of Jante

At the heart of Janteloven are ten unwritten “commandments”, each one designed to enforce social equality — not in the sense of justice, but in the suppression of individuality and excellence. Here is the original formulation:

1. You shall not believe that you are something.
2. You shall not believe that you are as good as us.
3. You shall not believe that you are smarter than us.
4. You shall not imagine yourself better than us.
5. You shall not think you know more than us.
6. You shall not think you are more important than us.
7. You shall not think you are good at anything.
8. You shall not laugh at us.
9. You shall not think that anyone cares about you.
10. You shall not think you can teach us anything.

Later in the novel, Sandemose adds an 11th law:
“You might not think I know something about you, but I do.”

This final line implies a level of surveillance and suspicion — that no one can escape the critical gaze of the community.

The Message Behind Janteloven

Although written with irony, Sandemose’s Janteloven was not an endorsement of these rules, but a critique. He used Jante to illustrate what he saw as the inherent malice and repression within human nature — particularly how people, from their earliest interactions, tend to put each other down.

According to Sandemose, Janteloven reflects the destructive social dynamics where success is met with jealousy, and individual ambition is perceived as arrogance. It critiques a culture where blending in is prized over standing out, and where personal achievements are minimized to preserve collective equality — or more precisely, mediocrity.

Cultural Impact and Continuing Relevance

Since its publication, Janteloven has become a defining concept in discussions about Scandinavian culture, particularly in Norway and Denmark, but also in Sweden. It is commonly invoked when discussing:

• Social leveling mechanisms
• The fear of standing out
• Modesty norms
• Peer pressure
• Resistance to change or innovation

For some, Janteloven remains a sociocultural truth, a lens through which to understand Nordic humility and egalitarian values. For others, it is a toxic mindset that stifles individuality and prevents excellence.

In modern Scandinavian society, Janteloven is often used to explain why high achievers may be reluctant to promote themselves, or why innovation sometimes struggles against social inertia. Despite a growing emphasis on creativity, diversity, and entrepreneurship, traces of Jante’s laws still echo in workplaces, schools, and social media.

International Parallels: Not Just a Scandinavian Phenomenon

Though rooted in Nordic literature, the Law of Jante is far from unique to Scandinavia. Similar cultural attitudes are found around the world, each with its own metaphor or expression.

Tall Poppy Syndrome (Australia and New Zealand)

In Australia and New Zealand, there is a comparable concept known as Tall Poppy Syndrome. The metaphor is simple: flowers (or people) that grow taller than the rest must be cut down. In this cultural narrative, success or distinction is often met with disdain or efforts to diminish it.

“The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down” (Japan)

In Japanese culture, a common proverb is:
“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down” (出る杭は打たれる).
This saying emphasizes the value placed on harmony, modesty, and conformity. Like Janteloven, it discourages behaviors that draw attention to the individual.

Crab Mentality (Philippines and elsewhere)

In some cultures, the crab mentality is used to describe people who try to pull down others who are succeeding — just like crabs in a bucket pulling back the one trying to escape.

These international examples show that envy, peer pressure, and conformity are global human challenges. What makes Janteloven unique is the way it has been formalized, named, and integrated into literary, cultural, and psychological discourse.

Criticism and Reclaiming Individuality

While some argue that Janteloven promotes social cohesion and prevents excessive arrogance, others see it as deeply problematic. Critics point out that it:

• Suppresses ambition, especially among youth and creatives
• Discourages self-expression and diversity
• Fuels groupthink and deters innovation
• Promotes mediocrity over excellence

In recent years, a countermovement has emerged — particularly among entrepreneurs, artists, and younger generations — that calls for reclaiming individuality and self-worth.

Books, podcasts, and public figures in Norway and Denmark increasingly advocate for a reinterpretation of success and self-confidence that breaks free from Jante’s grip. In some circles, you’ll even hear people say “Forget Janteloven!” as a way of encouraging boldness and authenticity.

Understanding Janteloven Today

Aksel Sandemose’s Janteloven is more than a literary device — it is a powerful social commentary that continues to shape cultural conversations nearly a century after its creation. Whether viewed as a realistic depiction of social dynamics or a warning against the dangers of conformity, Janteloven remains relevant in both Nordic and global contexts.

In a world that often praises success, yet subtly punishes those who achieve it, understanding Janteloven helps us recognize the social forces at play — both in our communities and within ourselves. It reminds us of the importance of striking a balance between humility and self-worth, between belonging and individuality.

Perhaps, in challenging Janteloven, we do not abandon community values — but instead, build communities that celebrate rather than suppress the uniqueness of each person.