I just found an old book from the year 1968 written by James Murray
I just found an old book from the year 1968 written by James Murray, the English teacher from Institute of Export in Helsinki. The book title is “The thoughts of chairman Jaska or how to make friends with *Urkki”
James was fantastic teacher and we all enjoyed very much learning this important foreign language. James or Jaska wrote in his book about Finland. I quote: “In this article, I’ll try to answer the question of why I chose Finland and why for heaven’s sake I stay here. As a traditionally superior Scotsman, I find myself, from time to time, treating the Finns in a patronizing way, but this can only lead to further confirmation of my own prejudices….. Well what do I like here? Above all the sauna, followed by the excellent Finnish Lapin Kulta and sausage, and, if forced, the barbarous dip in a hole in the ice. Finnish design in glass, ceramics, furniture, ryijy. The architecture especially Dipoli….Finally without whom all this could not exist, I like people themselves with their honesty, silence, stubbornness, friendliness to foreigners and occasional hospitality.”
I have not met Jaska for years, but I still have his book.
Since that time I have been somehow connected with international business or international affairs and even when I retired a few years ago I continue working, now online. Even online business is basically similar to traditional trade there are numerous differences. Online you are able to reach much more people than in the traditional way travelling and meeting your customers personally. But the basic rules are the same you need to solve the customer’s problem and help him or her in finding best possible solution to the problem in hand.
Only recently I joined WA and found this place very interesting and I am sure that I will stay with you for years to come.
Best regards
* Urkki isa nickname for Urho Kekkonen, the former president of Finland
Recent Comments
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As an American, but more importantly a human, Hiekki... I have learned that though cultural differences exist. We all have touchstones of reality based bias flowing through our mental landscape, that nothing feels quite nearly as comfortable as the roots of home and that to embrace diversity is a mature response to living on borrowed time and resources with others in the same lot. If any of this makes the least bit of sense we share the groundwork for friendship...my heritage on my mothers side is Sami Indian living in Sweden near Finlands border and I am third generation removed from those roots.
Loved this post by the way and look forward to more...you have been transparent and that is commendable.
Thank you for sharing a very meaningful article Heikki.