Chapter 4

4

Stamina

Reading this chapter, I hardly believe that Shackleton put great emphasis on his crews' physical and psychological health, but on the other hand, he did not really share his own condition with others. As Huntford observed, Shackleton kept it secret and nobody knew his health. I seem to understand him to a certain extent. Because as a leader, perhaps he could not exposure his weakness, if some health problem arise, his crews would really worry about him and the expedition might not be accomplished. Therefore he sacrificed himself in order to make the expedition smooth. However, I think that he made a mistake. Shackleton really concern about his crews more than about himself. It seems a great thing to do as a top of the team, but in order to lead the team, the leader's health is significant as well as the members. If the leader takes care of them too much to become ill, it will be total loss for him. 


Cooperating with members and keep everyone's health well is necessary especially in such the harsh circumstance Shackleton and his crews faced. Not only one person is burdened a lot, but sharing with others to lighten one's burden seems to be fairer and reasonable.

lighten the burden!