One of the books I’m reading is called The Endurance by Caroline Alexander. The book recounts the 1914 adventure of Ernest Shackelton and his twenty-seven man crew in their attempt to be the first people to cross Antarctica on foot.

Their ship — The Endurance — becomes trapped in the ice pack, crushing the boat and leaving the men stranded on the ice for twenty months.

Though I’ve not finished the book, I know the ending. The ordeal ends with no men perishing and this is largely attributed to Shackelton’s leadership.

I’ve come across a quote from Shackleton that I believe explains the mindset necessary to inspire and lead people in such a harsh, bleak situation.

Shackleton is quoted as saying, “Optimism is true moral courage.”

Think about that one for a minute or two…

And choose to be courageous in this way today…

The end of the line for The Endurance.

P.S. Kodak has created a cool website chronciling this story of The Endurance here.