“Great God! this is an awful place.”
What this quote means
Scott's exclamation, written in his journal upon reaching the South Pole, captures a moment of extreme disillusionment. After a grueling expedition, he discovers that the rival team has beaten him. This cry expresses the brutal confrontation with reality when our efforts do not lead to the hoped-for victory. It resonates with those moments when we realize our dreams won't come true as planned, and greatness is measured by our ability to face failure.
How to apply it daily
If you've just suffered a setback, acknowledge your disappointment. Then, draw on your courage to decide what's next, without denying the emotion.
Continue
Related quotes
Same author or same theme — keep reading.
“The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who wants to acquire it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.”Create visual
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”Create visual
“The propensity to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another is common to all men, and to be found in no other race of animals.”Create visual
“An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.”Create visual
“The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes.”Create visual
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”Create visual
More quotes by Robert Falcon Scott
“I do not regret this journey; we took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out against us, therefore we have no cause for complaint.”Create visual
“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.”Create visual