Worsley did so when walking down the literal path of his idol, Shackleton, and did so to test the mettle of his own character.

We tend to follow in the paths of those who came before us, hoping that we learn valuable historical lessons. These characters not only pushed the limits of the physical and psychological, but the boundaries of the human spirit to venture into the unknown. Grann’s latest book ‘ The White Darkness‘ chronicles the story of determined explorers at different points in history, marrying their narratives together in a story of survival, endurance, and personal achievement. Succeeding generations of explorers emulated his leadership style, including a British Army officer in the Special Air Service, Henry Worsley. Through three arduous expeditions, Shackleton’s leadership skills kept his men alive in the harsh environment and encouraged them to endeavor through the hardships and onto their ultimate goals. During the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, prominent figures like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton embarked on grand expeditions to explore the continent’s interior, take detailed geographic and scientific notes, and to reach as far south as possible. The serene landscape of ice and snow covers perilous dangers that can end a person’s life in a fraction of a second. Antarctica is an unforgiving environment and that’s describing it generously.

The White Darkness by David Grann