No, an entire nation’s psyche cannot be encapsulated in a single phrase, and it’s ridiculous (and frankly offensive) to even suggest it. On an unrelated note, there’s a Finnish phrase that goes leuka rintaan ja kohti uusia pettymyksiä. It means “chin to the chest and towards new disappointments”

I think there are many days when that’s a perfect mantra…

Relatedly, there are variations of the sentiment ”Pohjalla on hyvä olla, ei voi vajota alemmas” – it is good to be at the bottom, because you can sink no further.

Absolutely, Finns must have hundreds of grimly stoic phrases.

Suomi mainittu! Torille!

I love that about the Finns yet it's continually the happiest country in the world.I love that about the Finns yet it's continually the happiest country in the world.

That's a much more poetic version of "fake it to make it" than my personal fave, "tits and teeth!". 👍