Integrity of explorers
Achievements and integrity
What do the achievements of explorers like Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Ann Daniels have to do with “integrity”? It certainly is about directing a huge effort towards something larger than oneself, while exposing oneself to considerable risk. It is also about taking single steps and trusting that they add up to something. However, there is perhaps another aspect.
It is my understanding, without being a psychologist, that it is all in the mind; and one can detect this in their interviews. For example, Ann Daniels clearly loves being “on the ice”, especially floating ice that is moving, sometimes in the wrong direction! Her references to phoning her children very occasionally while away also indicate that she is not concerned about being away from them.
Take your own baggage
It is also my understanding that there is one aspect that psychologists have discovered is required for this kind of activity. It is a characteristic that they have found in people who are remarkably successful at it. Perhaps it was spotted in Ann Daniels by the people who selected her for her first expedition.
It is not easy to describe, but it is the characteristic that, psychologically, these people “take themselves with them” when they travel. When they are in all sorts of very demanding situations, they are not wishing that were back at home in a cosy environment. They are completely “present”, as others have described it (including on this blog). They have all their feelings, psychological baggage and all, “with them”.
Perhaps there is something that we can all learn from this.
By John Lewis
Paul Handover
John,
I heard Sir Ranulph Fiennes on the radio the other day, recounting the many faous people who have made up the Fiennes Dynasty.
Although we know the words from one nursery rhyme as ” To see a fine lady ride on a white horse. With rings on her fingers etc. It should read
To see a Fiennes lady ride on a white horse..
Bob Derham
October 16, 2009 at 03:43