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.
I'm game. Wouldn't you be? Not so much for the recognition part - I couldn't care less about that, but a recruitment poster that's so cut and dry like this would surely attract only the most conditioned and dedicated of men, a crew that I would be honored to be apart of.
In 1914 Polar Explorer Ernest Shackelton posted the above notice and attracted a total of 28 men for his crew to claim Antarctica for England. The journey was well-documented by travel logs, charts, personal journals and by the photos and videos taken by renowned photographer Frank Hurley. In 1999 various scholars and historians condensed all of this material into "The Endurance" a multi-media presentation comprised of a fantastic book written by Caroline Alexander, and full-feature documentary narrated by Liam Neeson - both of which have captured my interest more than anything I can recall as of late.
I found the production of the DVD to be especially choice. Awesome and appropriate ominous music interplayed with the footage and photos shot by Hurley. Indeed, Hurley's talents behind the lens truly breathe life into these events. Neeson's humble yet stern voice acting fits the bill as well. Sparse interviews with the children and grandchildren of some of the crew members bring extra subjectiveness. All in all, the movie is captivating and worth watching - even if it's your twelfth viewing. This one is up there. Good stuff, man. Good stuff. Did I mention how awesome the music is? The music is awesome.
For as heavy as the documentary is the real power of this story is contained in the journal excerpts within the book. I don't want to delve into a deep discussion/critical review of the book because, simply, so much transpires in this story and I am (for some reason) deeply moved by many of them that it would be difficult not to ramble. For simplicities sake I will say this:
The Endurance a story of supreme courage and action in the face of unthinkable natural opposition. It is a discourse in the basic desire of humans to survive. It is an example of the effectiveness of stern leadership. Put aside petty quarrels - for they will cost you - and gang together to accomplish things that can only be done through cooperation. Sacrifices are not only inescapable but essential to living this life to the fullest. Patience is a divine attribute that is learned through humble, self-less living. During times of extreme duress it's not a just mere feeling or notion to think we are accompanied by loved ones who have passed on . Despite hardships and extreme discomfort it easy to still be awe struck by the grandeur and beauty and ultimate power of our physical world.
And during it all, take the time to record your thoughts and experiences. These words will not only give you cause for gratitude in the future but will surely appeal and positively influence anyone else who happens to read them.
In 1914 Polar Explorer Ernest Shackelton posted the above notice and attracted a total of 28 men for his crew to claim Antarctica for England. The journey was well-documented by travel logs, charts, personal journals and by the photos and videos taken by renowned photographer Frank Hurley. In 1999 various scholars and historians condensed all of this material into "The Endurance" a multi-media presentation comprised of a fantastic book written by Caroline Alexander, and full-feature documentary narrated by Liam Neeson - both of which have captured my interest more than anything I can recall as of late.
I found the production of the DVD to be especially choice. Awesome and appropriate ominous music interplayed with the footage and photos shot by Hurley. Indeed, Hurley's talents behind the lens truly breathe life into these events. Neeson's humble yet stern voice acting fits the bill as well. Sparse interviews with the children and grandchildren of some of the crew members bring extra subjectiveness. All in all, the movie is captivating and worth watching - even if it's your twelfth viewing. This one is up there. Good stuff, man. Good stuff. Did I mention how awesome the music is? The music is awesome.For as heavy as the documentary is the real power of this story is contained in the journal excerpts within the book. I don't want to delve into a deep discussion/critical review of the book because, simply, so much transpires in this story and I am (for some reason) deeply moved by many of them that it would be difficult not to ramble. For simplicities sake I will say this:
The Endurance a story of supreme courage and action in the face of unthinkable natural opposition. It is a discourse in the basic desire of humans to survive. It is an example of the effectiveness of stern leadership. Put aside petty quarrels - for they will cost you - and gang together to accomplish things that can only be done through cooperation. Sacrifices are not only inescapable but essential to living this life to the fullest. Patience is a divine attribute that is learned through humble, self-less living. During times of extreme duress it's not a just mere feeling or notion to think we are accompanied by loved ones who have passed on . Despite hardships and extreme discomfort it easy to still be awe struck by the grandeur and beauty and ultimate power of our physical world.
And during it all, take the time to record your thoughts and experiences. These words will not only give you cause for gratitude in the future but will surely appeal and positively influence anyone else who happens to read them.
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