Sweden shares their bread

As I headed into Stockholm on the high speed train, I read how the average person in Stockholm pays 59% of their income to taxes. When I read this figure, I let out a gasp! How could anyone function in an environment where more than have of what you make, the government takes?! Then I read further that although it is a conservative country, they are very progressive in social welfare. To me, that is almost schizophrenic. How could a country be both?! Sweden is both and seems to be doing it well. 

I was taken aback when I went to McDonald's and saw row after row of tables with 8 seats each at them. I was there at a slow time so I didn't have to be " forced" to sit with seven other people I didn't know. However, I did imagine what it would be like to share a meal with a bunch of people I didn't know. I didn't like the feeling that came over me when I thought about it. I don't want to share my meal with a stranger under just about any circumstances and yet, we can say that in Sweden they are not opposed to literally or figuratively share their meal with others whether it's giving 59% of their income for taxes or breaking bread in the company of seven unknown people.