The original social influencers

Just over 1000 years ago, the Nordic countries were full of Vikings. The Vikings were explorers and innovators, sharing and gaining knowledge from the world around them and establishing outposts around the world. They accomplished great things in the short time they were in power. According to Else Roesdahl in her book The Vikings, they “affected almost every region accessible to their ships, and left traces that are still a part of life today.” Those regions included North America, Africa, the Mediterranean, most of modern-day Europe and Russia, as well as the Middle East. They were the first Europeans to travel to North America, famous warriors, international politicians, engineers of fortresses and bridges, merchants, colonizers, explorers, mercenaries and ship builders. 

Roesdahl writes, “Scandinavia had its own culture, with strong traditions. During the three centuries of the Viking Age that culture developed through extensive contact with other countries, assimilating and transforming many foreign influencers. It is largely through the study of the Viking homelands, with their astonishingly high level of technical and organizational achievement, that our picture of the period has been altered. It used to be thought that Vikings were just energetic, robust, straightforward people or that they were wild, barbaric, axe-wielding pirates; and that they lived in a fairly democratic society. The Viking Age is now seen as having been altogether more complex, with a strong class system, diverse social conditions and far more radical achievements.”

Those in the Nordic area still have a strong culture that promotes health and happiness. They are still influencers, promoting peace, humanitarianism, and environmentally sustainable practices to name just a few. They are still highly technical, at the top of the charts in new and innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence. 

“In an era of rapid change, the Vikings took every advantage of their unusual ability to re-adjust, and their gift for enterprise produced quite exceptional results and innovations.” (The Vikings, Else Roesdahl, pages 4-5)

Vikings were advanced for their time. Descendants of the Vikings are following the same path. The world is changing around us and the Nordic countries are forging a path forward. They are innovating ways to help the planet, to serve the needs of humanity, and to share vital knowledge with others.

Ancient residents of the Nordic region traveled the world. They were masters of their own destiny and influencers for countless others. They are still shaping the world today, bringing us all into the future they’ve envisioned.

What did I learn from this?

Be willing to share your strengths and positively impact the world around you.