“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
William Hutchinson Murray (1913-1996)
“The Scottish Himalaya Expedition”, 1951
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
Murray's quote has often been wrongly attributed to Goethe. It's one of my favorites -- it speaks the truth to me. Murray is quoted as saying that he was inspired by the Goethe quote above (though this quote too, seems to be a very loose translation).
The Scottish Himalaya Expedition details the first Scottish expedition in 1950 to the Kumaon range in the Himalayas, between Tibet and western Nepal. The expedition, led by Murray, attempted nine mountains and climbed five, in over 450 miles of mountainous travel. The book is out of print and can cost over $100 from used book sellers. (I’ve just ordered one from the UK – fingers crossed it’s still available.)
4 comments:
oh god. this speaks to me. LOUDLY. i need to get it together in many areas of my life.
I thought it was Goethe too. These things are great but I forget them as soon as I walk out the door--re. Desiderata..
Thank you Lianne! I just love this quote. I've heard it before but long, long ago. Just this week need to make some decisions and commitments, and this is very encouraging.
Have a great rest of the week. ♥
Excellent quotes. I would be excited to be waiting upon the arrival of this extraordinary book.
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