That Other Land

About the Book

What is the good life? Is it to be rich? Or is it to live a rich life?

This book is about human values, and how to realize them. A man from Bykrat visits the foreign land of Aipotu (pronounced eyePOtu; it may be read backwards too) and is shown around by his host, Gard. Aipotu is a high-tech, competent, and creative country that ranks human growth and joy of life above material wealth. It has an unconventional form of public administration, new roles for men and women, an unusual urban landscape, data technology designed to respect people’s wishes, and most importantly, a new conception of the inborn potential and importance of children. The people of Aipotu believe that since the ability to live a rich and happy life is formed in childhood, a society must give priority to its children and the conditions of their upbringing. Among other things they have a wonderful school system where each child can find its way according to its interests and develop its capacities, whatever they are, to the fullest.

Enjoy this story about the inhabitants of Aipotu and be inspired by their creative solutions!

About the Author

Gudrun Fleischer Eckblad, professor emeritus from the Department of Psychology at the University of Oslo, Norway, has lectured widely in motivational and cognitive psychology. She is particularly interested in conditions that encourage the development of intrinsic motivation (flow) and creativity in children and adults.