"Martela, based at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, says his fellow Finns "accept life as it is, not making a fuss about what is bad or good" and shunning overt displays of wealth and success. His mantra is "energized contentment", pursuing chosen projects but not chasing specific job titles or awards. A research career enables him to indulge a love of writing and to be part of a community that embraces discussions with the brightest minds."
"Martela urges us to stop caring what others think (being disliked by some, he says, proves "that you are exercising your freedom to be you"), expose ourselves to different viewpoints, not be ruled by our emotions and let go of our egos. Chasing success is also pointless. When asked what he wanted to accomplish, Kokko said that he would be happy with the life of an average researcher - for him, doing maths was an end in itself."
Finland consistently ranks as the world's happiest nation, characterized by long winters, modest lifestyles and many heavy-metal bands per capita. Finns tend to accept life as it is, avoid making a fuss over good or bad, and shun overt displays of wealth and success. A cultural stance of 'energized contentment' emphasizes pursuing chosen projects without chasing job titles or awards. Advice includes resisting concern for others' opinions, exposing oneself to different viewpoints, managing emotions, and letting go of ego. Chasing conventional success is portrayed as pointless; finding satisfaction in the work itself is valued. Career setbacks can be reframed into new opportunities through resilience and perspective.
Read at Nature
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