FWIW, I'm by no means trying to be cynical, especially considering that I do some (lighter) forestry work myself, have done lots of tree planting and definitely love being in the wilderness. Forest and nature do play a central role in our cultural heritage. Currently, however, other members of this same society carry out massive clear-cuttings in our forests. So... this is "us" as well, I guess. Demolishing and praising, side by side. That's why the work of these referred two scholars is really interesting, maybe even corageous in a way, considering that "forest wars" are a huge topic in Estonia these days.
In Māori there is the concept of mana. It’s like your status, honor, dignity and authority. You can get it through action, ancestors, lucky experience (being blessed by the supernatural). I’m not Māori so can’t claim full understanding but it’s like a social ranking system covering birthright, merit, fame all in one.
In Russian culture there is this concept called 'smekalka' (смекалка).
It roughly means ingenuity or wit and is very often used in the context of MacGyvering a solution to an urgent or embarrassing problem.
- Niksen (Dutch)
- Sisu (Finnish)
- Döstädning (Swedish)
- Lagom (Swedish)
- Réussir sans forcer (French)
- Raising Self-Reliant Children (German)
- Wabi Sabi (Japanese)
I wonder what other unique cultural concepts HN users have come across (perhaps from their own culture)?