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Spartan Surfers

1868–1912

Robert Falcon Scott

British naval officer who reached the South Pole in January 1912 and died with his companions on the return march. His journals were published in 1913.

7 sourced lines

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

  1. We took risks, we knew we took them.

    Dying in a tent on the way back from the South Pole, Scott wrote this without blaming anyone. He owned the risk he had chosen. If you take the chance, own the outcome.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), Message to the Public, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)

  2. Things came out against us. We have no cause for complaint.

    Scott's party lost the race to the Pole and then their lives to the weather. His last public words refuse self-pity. Take your losses without whining.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), Message to the Public, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)

  3. Determined still to do our best to the last.

    Even with no realistic hope, Scott's party kept their standards. Effort is not only for when you can win. Do your best to the end.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), Message to the Public, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)

  4. Endure hardships, help one another.

    Scott was proud that his men stood by each other to the very end. That is the core of any good crew. Carry your share, and help carry theirs.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), Message to the Public, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)

  5. We shall stick it out to the end.

    Scott's final diary entry, eleven miles from a supply depot, in a blizzard. No drama, just resolve. Finish what you started.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), ch. 20, The Last March, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)

  6. It is something to have got here, and the wind may be our friend tomorrow.

    Scott wrote this at the Pole, having found that Amundsen beat them there. In the same entry he calls it an awful place. Then he names what was achieved and hopes for better luck: that is how to take a bitter disappointment.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), ch. 18, The Summit Journey, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)

  7. I do not regret this journey.

    Facing death, Scott looked back and found no regret. A hard road chosen for a worthy reason is worth walking. Choose journeys you will not regret.

    Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I (1913), Message to the Public, Original English (Scott's Last Expedition, Vol. I, 1913)