Lucky Country

What does the Lucky Country refer to?

According to Wikipedia, "The Lucky Country" is a nickname sometimes used to describe Australia, taken from the 1964 book of the same name by social critic Donald Horne.

Back in the 1960's an Australian author, Donald Horne, wrote a scathing commentary where Australia was described as being "the lucky country" . This in turn became the title of the book. Horne was describing a country that at the time was mired in its past, and was basically making stupid choices, not really thinking for itself. The term was meant to be ironic. Australians read it instead as a confirmation of their own perceptions of Australia.

Portrait of Donald Horne, Woollahra, 1987

In the years following publication "the lucky country" became part of the Australian language and was used in all kinds of contexts, usually far from its original meaning. In fact with 15 years of extraordinary economic growth and an economy that has weathered many extremes - people are starting to believe Australia really is the lucky country.

What about you do you think that Australia is really a lucky country? Why?