“The question constantly put to us in civilization was and still is: "What is the use? Is there gold? or Is there coal?" The commercial spirit of the present day can see no good in pure science.”
A rebuke of the assumption that discovery is only worthwhile when it yields immediate profit.
— Apsley Cherry-Garrard, Antarctica
Source: Apsley Cherry-Garrard, The Worst Journey in the World (1922)
More Proverbs from Antarctica
Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.
Obstacles are not reasons to stop; they are simply the next problem to solve.
By endurance we conquer.
The Shackleton family motto (Fortitudine Vincimus), which gave the ship Endurance its name — steady persistence, not force, wins in the end.
Optimism is true moral courage.
Choosing to stay hopeful in the face of danger is itself a form of bravery.
A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old one goes to ground.
When a plan fails, immediately set a new goal rather than dwelling on the loss.
Great God! this is an awful place.
Scott's diary reaction on 17 January 1912, arriving at the South Pole to find Amundsen's Norwegian flag already there.
For God's sake look after our people.
The final line of Scott's diary, written as he and his companions lay dying in their tent, asking that their families be cared for.