A few thoughts about the book.
I was reminded how much humans can endure and survive, even when faced with extraordinary misfortune.
The whole “let’s be the first trans-Antarctic expedition” seemed contrived, but the fight for survival was certainly not.
It seems outlandish that they crossed the open sea in a 22 foot boat. The James Caird looks like a large canoe.
Ernest Shackleton and the entire crew never gave up. The final overland trek through South Georgia island, without tents or sleeping bags or much other provisions, was incredible. It was literally do or die.
The Endurance’s misadventure is a monument to survival that puts life in perspective in a way that few things can. I’m reminded that I can endure much more than I think I can.
Links to this note
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Outline for my annual essay about things I learned and reflections for the year.