In Sweden, frugality has long been ingrained as a way of life and a national virtue, with even the wealthy avoiding extravagance and luxury consumption.

Luxury goods produced in Sweden mainly rely on exports. This thrifty and environmentally conscious national character has contributed to Sweden's current social development achievements.

Simple living and rich inner lives characterize Sweden's streets and alleys, making it hard to find luxurious shops or extravagant buildings.

Even high-income Swedes lead simple lives. They don't buy designer clothes to flaunt their status or drive luxury cars to display their identity. A simple garment made of quality fabric and a practical bicycle are sufficient for daily needs. In the eyes of Swedes, spiritual wealth is more important than material wealth.

A person's inner character is far more worthy of respect than external adornments. Therefore, even though they lead comfortable lives, Swedes don't indulge in excessive luxury goods to satisfy vanity. Simple living has endowed Swedes with rich inner lives.

Sweden's reputation as one of the most resourceful nations in the world is not solely due to national consciousness but also due to guidance and regulation in institutional design. In Sweden, restaurants face hefty fines if food waste occurs, encouraging both staff and customers to avoid waste.

Additionally, Sweden has strict environmental protection laws, including measures for energy efficiency and recycling. The government heavily invests in eco-friendly technology research, enabling citizens to enjoy environmentally friendly living.

Strong institutional design has enhanced Swedes' awareness of thrift and energy conservation and propelled advancements in environmental technology. The irony lies in the export of luxury goods and the import of environmental technology: while Swedes lead modest lives, the luxury goods they design and produce are supplied worldwide.

Swedish luxury cars, designer clothing, and premium furniture are renowned globally, primarily driven by exports. Simultaneously, Sweden's advanced environmental and energy-saving technologies are exported abroad, exerting global influence.

It can be said that the thrifty lifestyle habits of Swedes have nurtured their inner wealth, while robust institutional development has promoted societal thrift awareness. Meanwhile, the export of luxury goods and the export of environmental technology have made significant contributions to Sweden's economic development.

Sweden is indeed a country worthy of respect and emulation. The lessons to be learned are as follows:

1. Strike a balance between material and spiritual life, avoiding excessive emphasis on material enjoyment at the expense of spiritual richness.

2. Establish scientific systems and regulations to manage social behavior, rather than solely relying on individual awareness.

3. Leverage comparative advantages among nations to promote win-win cooperation. Sweden profits from exporting luxury goods while also bringing environmental technology to the world. Of course, the Swedish model has its limitations. It is built on a foundation of relatively high national quality and may not be entirely applicable to all countries.

Sweden sets an example for us all. Let us cultivate awareness of resource conservation and environmental protection on the path to modernization. By emphasizing both material and spiritual civilization, we can promote the sustainable development of human society.