A Norwegian newspaper published a list of the 15 most admired women and 15 most admired men in Norway. The lists contains mostly politicians and humanitarians, and a philosopher. For me, it reflects a very healthy attitude towards life. It is also a dramatic contrast with the typical US view on life – I assume screen actors and talk show hosts would top the list here (reflecting profoundly unhealthy culture and priorities).
The large number of politicians on the list also says something about the health of Norwegian democracy (although there is room for improvement), which is transparent, a multiparty system, and where the politicians are regular women and men from a wide range of backgrounds.
1. Gro Harlem Brundtland – former prime minister for the labor party, former WHO director
2. Eva Joly – corruption buster
3. Kristin Halvorsen – socialist politician
4. Kona – wife
5. Wenche Foss – stage actor
6. Mor – mother
7. Siv Jensen
8. Erna Solberg
9. Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit
10. Åsne Seierstad
11. Dronning Sonja
12. Anne Enger Lahnstein
13. Prinsesse Märtha Louise
14. Rosemarie Köhn
15. Liv Ullmann
1. Kåre Willoch
2. Kong Harald
3. Kronprins Haakon
4. Carl I. Hagen
5. Gunnar Stålsett
6. Jens Stoltenberg
7. Arne Næss sr. – philosopher
8. Kjell Inge Røkke
9. Thorvald Stoltenberg
10. Kjell Magne Bondevik
11. Far
12. Mannen
13. Erik Bye
14. Petter Solberg
15. Thomas Giertsen