Sisu

2006-01-18T22:36:36Z

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{{wiktionary}}
'''Sisu''' is a [[Finnish language|Finnish]] term that could be roughly translated into [[English language|English]] as strength of will, determination, perseverance, acting rationally in the face of adversity. The equivalent in English is "to have guts", and indeed, the word derives from ''sisus'', which means something inner or interior. To [[anthropology|anthropologists]], it is an appropriate invention for a cold northern land, fractured by thousands of lakes, and long under threat of being overwhelmed, militarily, linguistically and otherwise, by more powerful neighbours. Similar concepts exist among other cold-weather peoples, such as the [[Inuit]] and [[Chukchi people|Chukchi]].

Due to its cultural significance, ''Sisu'' is a common element of [[brand name]]s in [[Finland]]. For example, there are [http://www.sisuauto.com/portal/english/ Sisu trucks], a brand of strong-tasting candy manufactured by [http://www.leaf.fi Leaf] and a metapolitical nationalist organisation [http://www.suomensisu.fi Suomen Sisu]. There is also a [[Canada|Canadian]] company by the name that makes vitamin and mineral supplement products [http://www.sisu.com]. Sisu has reached the health care arena as well with [http://www.sisunet.org Sisu Medical Solutions], a non-profit company created by five hospital administrators to provide IT support.

The term is commonly used in everyday speech to describe stoic toughness. It is widely understood in the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] of [[Michigan]], which is home to a large concentration of Finnish-Americans. For instance: ''Even after cutting his hand open and getting 12 stitches, he didn't shed a tear. Wow! He's got sisu!'' By analogy, the term has picked up new meanings. Depending on context, "sisu" can refer to spunk, attitude, self-confidence, and so on. However, sisu is not [[bravery]], nor [[strength]], and needs to be distinguished from [[courage]], especially when talking about the military. In contrast, sisu is an ability to finish the task and get things done, as defined by [[Roman Schatz]] in his book ''From Finland with Love''. Sisu is also a name of mountain in Antarktis found by Veikka Gustafsson (the name of mountain is simply "Mount Sisu).

In Finland, there's a well-known saying that the Finnish culture can be condensed in three s's: "sisu, [[sauna]] and [[Jean Sibelius|Sibelius]]". Also three s's in "sisu, [[sauna]] and [[salmiakki]]. (The Finnish name of Finland, [[Suomi]], also starts with an s).

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''SISU'' is also the [[acronym]] for the educational association of the National Sports Confederation for [[Sweden]]. The allusion is intentional.
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[[Category:Finnish culture]]

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Sisu