In the [first] fifteen years [of field work] I can…
“In the [first] fifteen years [of field work] I can remember just ten times when I had really narrow escapes from death. Two were from drowning in typhoons, one was when our boat was charged by a wounded whale; once my wife and I were nearly eaten by wild dogs, once we were in great danger from fanatical lama priests; two were close calls when I fell over cliffs, once I was nearly caught by a huge python, and twice I might have been killed by bandits.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The explorer recounts numerous near‑death experiences, highlighting the constant danger of early 20th‑century fieldwork.
In simple terms: Exploration was fraught with life‑threatening hazards.
Respect and prepare for risks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- expeditions
- scientific research
- travel
- field studies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you to face extreme risks?
- How do you balance curiosity with safety?
Romanticizing danger can ignore the suffering of local peoples.