Unpacking the American Spirit—Why It’s Time for Europe to Take a Hard Look

Let’s talk truth here. Somewhere along the line, our educated, "enlightened" folks in Western, Central, and Northern Europe have managed to wrap themselves in a very selective, one-sided picture of the United States. The result? A skewed, narrow understanding of a nation and people they frankly don’t get, and maybe never will. Yet, while it’s fashionable in European circles to look down on America, I’ve seen a side of the U.S. that’s nothing short of remarkable. Spoiler alert: it’s not about blind patriotism—it’s about grit, resilience, and a can-do attitude that too many Europeans (especially my fellow Finns) could do with a lesson in.