Endurance - Part I, Chapter 2

This chapter focuses on the many steps needed to prepare for such an extensive voyage.  Shackleton wanted to do something that had never been done before.  Namely, travel all the way across Antarctica, from west to east. This would not be an operation that could be planned overnight.  After thousand of applicants and hundreds of thousands of dollars, his expedition was about to begin.  However, something happened just days before they were set to leave that would make Shackleton contemplate going on the mission at all.  Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria had just been assassinated, thus sparking World War I.  He had to face the dilemma of either staying and helping England's cause in the war, or setting sail and pursuing his dream.  He consulted with his financial supporters, and with a message from the Admiralty that was a "one-word telegram: 'Proceed'" (18), Shackleton decided to continue with the adventure.  This reminds me of a very difficult time in our country as well.  The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were devastating, especially to the residents of New York City.  The usually vibrant city was left in physical and emotional shambles.  However, that very same week, Mayor Rudy Giuliani appeared on the popular show Saturday Night Live and declared that New York was "open for business".  Maybe it is just the patriotism of the Fourth of July flowing through me, but I believe that statement helped New York and all of America get back on its feet and press forward as a country.