And, as for me, if, by any possibility, there be any as…
“And, as for me, if, by any possibility, there be any as yet undiscovered prime thing in me; if I shall ever deserve any real repute in that small but high hushed world which I might not be unreasonably ambitious of ; if hereafter I shall do anything that, upon the whole, a man might rather have done than to have left undone ; if, at my death, my executors, or more properly my creditors, find any precious MSS. in my desk, then here I prospectively ascribe all the honour and the glory to whaling; for a whale-ship was my Yale College and my Harvard.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker credits any future achievement or legacy to the whaling industry, seeing it as the foundation of his education and status.
In simple terms: He attributes his future reputation to whaling.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the roots of your success.
Themes
ambition
legacy
education
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career reflection
- personal legacy
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
self‑identity
career
reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- What foundational experiences shape your identity?
- How do you balance pride in origins with future aspirations?
A Different Perspective
May overemphasizing a single influence limit broader growth.