If I had not some strength of will I would make a first class drunkard.
(Was he talking about a polar expedition, or marriage?) -Jorge Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the treacherous yet rewarding nature of significant challenges, like exploration or deep commitments. It emphasizes the bravery required to embark on difficult journeys.
This quote captures the essence of taking on formidable challenges, such as polar expeditions or significant life commitments like marriage. It reflects on the inherent risks and hardships involved, suggesting that while such endeavors come with uncertainty and discomfort, they also carry the potential for great honor and recognition upon achievement. Shackleton's words remind us that true courage involves facing peril and adversity to pursue meaningful goals.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about facing fears, one could reference this quote to illustrate the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.
More from Ernest Shackleton
All quotes →Now my eyes are turned from the South to the North, and I want to lead one more Expedition. This will be the last... to the North Pole.
I have often marveled at the thin line which separates success from failure.
After months of want and hunger, we suddenly found ourselves able to have meals fit for the gods, and with appetites the gods might have envied.
A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground.
I thought you'd rather have a live donkey than a dead lion.
Similar quotes
Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach, as he wiped his sword on the grass and put it back into its sheath.
In just one year in Bosnia, thirty of my colleagues died. There is a little Somme waiting for all innocent journalists.
We shall continue our fight for democracy and freedom because we do not accept that Hong Kong will be transformed into a police state.
Too long have the workers of the world waited for some Moses to lead them out of bondage... I would not lead you out if I could; for if you could be led out, you could be led back again. I would have you make up your minds there is nothing that you cannot do for yourselves.
To conquer the command in the air means victory; to be beaten in the air means defeat.
When fear makes your choices for you, no security measures on earth will keep the things you dread from finding you. But if you can avoid avoidance - if you can choose to embrace experiences out of passion, enthusiasm, and a readiness to feel whatever arises - then nothing, nothing in all this dangerous world, can keep you from being safe.