Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for.
Journal, 29 March 1912; final words, quoted in Scott’s Last Expedition (1913) (South Pole)
Robert Falcon Scott
Brave men, who willingly entered the Arena. In his March 1, 1913 alyrticle “Is Polar Exploration Worth While” published in The Outlook, Theodore Roosevelt reflected on the death of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and the broader context of polar exploration. As an associate editor of the magazine, Roosevelt used the occasion to weigh the value of such expeditions, balancing admiration for the courage and sacrifice of explorers against the immense risks and hardships involved http://www.theodorerooseveltbooks.com+1. Roosevelt acknowledged that polar exploration was a noble pursuit, driven by human curiosity and the desire to push the boundaries of knowledge. He recognized the… Read more »
A little like thinking of going to Mars.