[leto_ii]

> It sounds a lot like the Netherlands

It's almost a relief to see I'm not the only one having this view. I've been living in NL for the better part of a decade now and to most of the people back home (one of those terrible 'former Eastern Bloc' countries) I sound like a complete lunatic when I bring up similar impressions.

I guess an ideal place would have to be as functional as the Netherlands and yet far less soulless. Is this possible I wonder? Is there some intrinsic trade-off between the two aspects?

[dendriti]

Ironically, this stance (that lack of conflict equates to lack of soul) may only be possible after one has become accustomed to a peaceful and stable life.

[leto_ii]

> that lack of conflict equates to lack of soul

Yeah, I realize the attitude is a bit simplistic. It's certainly true that serious conflict is way worse than boring mild-dystopia.

I'm thinking however of someplace like the 'second-tier' rich European countries - the Northern Meditteranean, perhaps even a few former 'Eastern Bloc' places. Those might have a better balance.