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“Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage” by Joanna Nylund is a book that delves into the Finnish concept of Sisu, exploring its meaning, principles, and applications in daily life. The author, Joanna Nylund, herself a Finnish native, provides a comprehensive exploration of Sisu as a mindset and a way of life.
The book begins by introducing the concept of Sisu, which is often described as a unique form of resilience, perseverance, and determination. It showcases how Sisu has been deeply embedded in Finnish culture and has played a significant role in shaping the Finnish national identity.
Throughout the book, Nylund shares a variety of inspiring stories, examples, and practical advice that illustrate the power of Sisu in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. She draws from historical events, such as the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, where the Finnish people displayed immense Sisu in defending their country against overwhelming odds.
One notable example from the book is the story of Armi Ratia, the founder of Marimekko, a globally renowned Finnish design company. Armi Ratia’s story embodies the essence of Sisu as she faced numerous setbacks and obstacles while establishing Marimekko as a prominent brand. Despite facing financial difficulties and skepticism from others, Ratia exhibited unwavering determination, resilience, and a refusal to give up. Her remarkable Sisu mindset enabled her to transform Marimekko into an internationally recognized symbol of Finnish design and creativity.
Another notable example is the Battle of Suomussalmi. In December 1939, during the early stages of the Winter War, the Soviet Union launched a massive offensive in the region of Suomussalmi in northeastern Finland. The outnumbered and outgunned Finnish forces, led by Colonel Hjalmar Siilasvuo, faced a formidable challenge as they confronted the invading Soviet troops.
Despite being significantly outnumbered, the Finnish forces exhibited extraordinary resourcefulness and determination. They employed guerrilla tactics, utilizing the harsh winter conditions and the dense forests to their advantage. The Finnish soldiers, often skiing through the treacherous terrain, launched surprise attacks on the Soviet troops, causing confusion and disarray among the enemy ranks.
In one particularly remarkable event, a Finnish ski patrol led by Lieutenant Eino Lassila ambushed a Soviet unit on the Raate Road. The Finnish soldiers, armed with a combination of rifles, Molotov cocktails, and improvised explosive devices, launched a series of daring attacks, disabling Soviet tanks and destroying crucial supply lines. Despite facing heavily armed and numerically superior forces, the Finnish ski patrol showcased their Sisu by fearlessly engaging in close-quarters combat and employing unconventional tactics to overcome the odds.
The Battle of Suomussalmi turned into a resounding victory for the Finnish forces. The fierce resistance and unwavering determination displayed by the Finnish soldiers not only halted the Soviet offensive but also inflicted heavy losses on the invading troops. The battle became a symbol of Finnish resilience and Sisu, inspiring the Finnish people to persevere despite the overwhelming odds they faced.
Nylund also explores various practical ways to cultivate Sisu in everyday life. She offers insights into harnessing inner strength, developing a positive mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and finding motivation even in the face of adversity.
The book strength relies on its inspiring style: through empowering stories and practical guidance, it encourages readers to embrace Sisu in their own lives, enabling them to overcome obstacles, persevere through challenges, and find the courage to pursue their dreams.

Description

“Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage” by Joanna Nylund is a book that delves into the Finnish concept of Sisu, exploring its meaning, principles, and applications in daily life. The author, Joanna Nylund, herself a Finnish native, provides a comprehensive exploration of Sisu as a mindset and a way of life.
The book begins by introducing the concept of Sisu, which is often described as a unique form of resilience, perseverance, and determination. It showcases how Sisu has been deeply embedded in Finnish culture and has played a significant role in shaping the Finnish national identity.
Throughout the book, Nylund shares a variety of inspiring stories, examples, and practical advice that illustrate the power of Sisu in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. She draws from historical events, such as the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, where the Finnish people displayed immense Sisu in defending their country against overwhelming odds.
One notable example from the book is the story of Armi Ratia, the founder of Marimekko, a globally renowned Finnish design company. Armi Ratia’s story embodies the essence of Sisu as she faced numerous setbacks and obstacles while establishing Marimekko as a prominent brand. Despite facing financial difficulties and skepticism from others, Ratia exhibited unwavering determination, resilience, and a refusal to give up. Her remarkable Sisu mindset enabled her to transform Marimekko into an internationally recognized symbol of Finnish design and creativity.
Another notable example is the Battle of Suomussalmi. In December 1939, during the early stages of the Winter War, the Soviet Union launched a massive offensive in the region of Suomussalmi in northeastern Finland. The outnumbered and outgunned Finnish forces, led by Colonel Hjalmar Siilasvuo, faced a formidable challenge as they confronted the invading Soviet troops.
Despite being significantly outnumbered, the Finnish forces exhibited extraordinary resourcefulness and determination. They employed guerrilla tactics, utilizing the harsh winter conditions and the dense forests to their advantage. The Finnish soldiers, often skiing through the treacherous terrain, launched surprise attacks on the Soviet troops, causing confusion and disarray among the enemy ranks.
In one particularly remarkable event, a Finnish ski patrol led by Lieutenant Eino Lassila ambushed a Soviet unit on the Raate Road. The Finnish soldiers, armed with a combination of rifles, Molotov cocktails, and improvised explosive devices, launched a series of daring attacks, disabling Soviet tanks and destroying crucial supply lines. Despite facing heavily armed and numerically superior forces, the Finnish ski patrol showcased their Sisu by fearlessly engaging in close-quarters combat and employing unconventional tactics to overcome the odds.
The Battle of Suomussalmi turned into a resounding victory for the Finnish forces. The fierce resistance and unwavering determination displayed by the Finnish soldiers not only halted the Soviet offensive but also inflicted heavy losses on the invading troops. The battle became a symbol of Finnish resilience and Sisu, inspiring the Finnish people to persevere despite the overwhelming odds they faced.
Nylund also explores various practical ways to cultivate Sisu in everyday life. She offers insights into harnessing inner strength, developing a positive mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and finding motivation even in the face of adversity.
The book strength relies on its inspiring style: through empowering stories and practical guidance, it encourages readers to embrace Sisu in their own lives, enabling them to overcome obstacles, persevere through challenges, and find the courage to pursue their dreams.