I ran across the term "sisu" in a book recently and it struck me. From the Wikipedia entry:
Sisu is a Finnish term loosely translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally
in the face of adversity. However, the word is widely considered to
lack a proper translation into any other language. Sisu is about taking
action against the odds and displaying courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity. Deciding on a course of
action and then sticking to that decision against repeated failures is
sisu.
Although I have a Finnish name, I do not have the blood of ancient Finns coursing through my veins. But my children do, thanks to their mother, and I hope their characters are imbued with sisu, as it seems as fine a quality as any to find your way in this world.
