This leads us, inevitably, to sisu, the Finns’ cherished (by them) and envied (by the Swedes) spirit of endurance, stamina, and manliness. The word evokes a sense of quiet, determined strength, of dependability; it speaks of the ability to display unwavering resolve in the face of insurmountable adversity, a kind of proactive stoicism, if you like.

The best way I can describe the feeling is a Finnish word, “sisu”—the mental strength to continue to try even after you feel you’ve reached the limits of your