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Sir Ernest ShackletonSir Ernest Henry Shackleton CVO, OBE [1874 - 1922]; Antarctic Explorer“Sir Ernest Shackleton's name will for evermore be engraved with letters of fire in the history of Antarctic Exploration. Courage and willpower can make miracles. I know of no better example that what that man has accomplished.”--Roald Amundsen, The South Pole |
Sir Ernest Shackleton was a British Antarctic explorer. He was knighted by the King for his leadership of his "British Antarctic Expedition" (1907-09) although best remembered now for his “Endurance Expedition” (1914-16).
“After the conquest of the South Pole by Amundsen, who, by a narrow margin of days only, was in advance of the British Expedition under Scott, there remained but one great main object of Antarctic journeyings—the crossing of the South Polar continent from sea to sea.”--Henry Shackleton, South
The Endurance Expedition, although technically a failer has become known colloquially as "The Shackleton Expedition" and his leadership and survival on this expedition is still studied today. Shackleton's Way is a must read book for anyone hoping to emulate his leadership skills although the book was written for a business audience its lessons are both timeless and highly practical for anyone leading under stressful conditions.
“Shackleton made his men want to follow him; he did not force them to do so. In the process, he changed the way his crewmen saw themselves and the world. His work continued to inspire them for as long as they lived, and to inspire others around the world long after that. There is no greater tribute to a leader. His tools were humor, generosity, intelligence, strength, and compassion.”--Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell, Shackleton's Way
Shackleton is one of the most important explorers of golden age of Antarctic Exploration along with Amundsen and Scott. He is also an individual who valued his men lives above the victory of planting a flag. A knowledge of Shackleton expeditions, most importantly with the Endurance is essential for anyone who plans to make a serious study of cold weather wilderness travel and the psychology of survival.
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