The attack was a threat to a treasured way of life, an open culture of social trust and the promise of democracy.

Affected personally, Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, said that although the country is shocked by what happened, they would never give up their values.

"The Norwegian response to violence is more democracy, more openness and greater political participation," Mr Stoltenberg insisted at a news conference.

“I am proud to live in a country that has managed to hold its head up high at a crucial time,” he said.

“I have been impressed by the dignity, compassion and resolve I have met.”

Johannes Knapstad of Norway said he was proud of the way the Prime Minister and his country has dealt with the situation.

“It is actually very inspiring how we are handling this tragedy,” Mr Knapstad said.

“It is a very positive way, and you know when I think about it it’s a logical way, the purpose of such an act is to destroy the positive democracy and values we have with the openness (of our culture) and we respond by making it more, making it better, we don’t want closed streets, we don’t want police on every corner, we are going to keep going on and making it better,” he said.

“It’s a terrible thing that has happened to Norway, but I am very proud of the Prime Minister and the government, and all the people that have been up in the media.”

In this time of terror, many have compared the difference in response between Norway and that of the United States.

The underlying hope of the people of Norway is that other countries can also act with such compassion.

Mr Knapstad said he hopes that such an empathetic yet strong principled approach has and will resonate with other countries that face similar situations in the future.

“Its important also to not only be proud of our response to this, but use this chance to make it a lot better.”

“It has brought Norway together, and I think that we are more aware of our values as a nation… and a lot of people are getting engaged about where do we want to go from now.”

As families of the deceased try to come to terms with the reality of the situation, Norway continues to show the world its resilience and pride for the ideals and culture it holds so close to its heart.

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