Trying to come up with a translation for the Finnish term sisu is a bit of a lost cause. Rotten Tomatoes described it as “a white-knuckled form of courage and unimaginable determination in the face of overwhelming odds.” while the BBC has defined it as “strength, perseverance in a task that for some may seem crazy to undertake, almost hopeless”.

It’s not exactly resilience, because that comes after a setback. And it’s not perseverance either which is more linked to a long term goal, whereas sisu really relates to a given moment in time. It could be finding the strength to have a complicated discussion with a superior at work for example, or attempting to resolve a conflict. Sisu is based on honesty and respect, to oneself and towards others.

So where does it come from? What are some examples of people who personified sisu? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here :

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A Bababam Originals podcast, written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 30/3/2023

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