SISU : Answering the Call of Adventure with Strength and Grace

Sisu is an age-old Finnish concept and novel research topic that refers to inner strength beyond the edge of an individual’s assumed capacities, denoting the kind of relentless doggedness in the face of extraordinary adversity that is often needed in adventurous pursuits. In this article, sisu is introduced through its expression as extraordinary perseverance, latent strength, and gentle power. Sisu is of course no miracle drug and can become harmful or beneficial to the individual and their environment depending on how it is utilised. Another Finnish framework, systems intelligence developed by professors Esa Saarinen and Raimo Hämäläinen at Aalto University, is highlighted as a tool to support the balanced cultivation of sisu so that adventurers may not only survive or be triumphant in their pursuits but grow better through these feats within a systems context. Sisu carries a message to all explorers to not shy away from the call of adventure and develop an internal orientation that is conducive to not only strong and powerful action, but action that is long-sighted, harmonious, and elevating for everyone involved.