ABSTRACT
The developed countries in the Western world are learning societies. They are based on the principle of lifelong learning, on extension of formal education to all members in each age group, and on the idea of continuing education. In the study of the birth of learning societies and of how people form their life in such societies Finland provides a fascinating case. As a learning society Finland is a remarkable mixture of old and new, of highly developed modern formal education and of a long tradition of grass-root interest in education!. The latter was during centuries enforced by the literacy demanded and taught by the Lutheran church.
