It is a curious thing that at my age — fifty-five last…
““It is a curious thing that at my age — fifty-five last birthday — I should find myself taking up a pen to try to write a history. I wonder what sort of a history it will be when I have finished it, if ever I come to the end of the trip! I have done a good many things in my life, which seems a long one to me, owing to my having begun work so young, perhaps. At an age when other boys are at school I was earning my living as a trader in the old Colony. I have been trading, hunting, fighting, or mining ever since. And yet it is only eight months ago that I made my pile. It is a big pile now that I have got it — I don't yet know how big — but I do not think I would go through the last fifteen or sixteen months again for it; no, not if I knew that I should come out safe at the end, pile and all. But then I am a timid man, and dislike violence; moreover, I am almost sick of adventure. I wonder why I am going to write this book: it is not in my line. I am not a literary man, though very devoted to the Old Testament and also to the "Ingoldsby Legends." Let me try to set down my reasons, just to see if I have any.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator reflects on a life of varied, adventurous work and doubts his suitability for writing history, questioning the purpose and value of his memoirs.
In simple terms: He wonders why he writes his story despite a restless, adventurous past.
Key Takeaway
Consider why you document your own journey.
Themes
self‑reflection
adventure
legacy
aging
purpose
Mood
contemplative
nostalgic
Type
autobiographical
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing memoirs
- sharing life lessons
- examining personal history
- career retrospectives
- aging reflections
Key Concepts
identity
memory
purpose
mortality
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives you to record your past?
- How do you balance adventure with stability?
A Different Perspective
He may overemphasize adventure, neglecting quieter, everyday experiences.