Jack London, The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 6
What it means
In the wild, London writes, there was no middle course for Buck. In human life, the line works best turned inward: master your habits or they master you. Take charge of yourself.
The source
"Master or be mastered." Jack London said it in The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 6. Written in English: The Call of the Wild, 1903.
"He must master or be mastered"Original English (The Call of the Wild, 1903), The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 6. Text read at gutenberg.org.
Who said it
Jack London (1876–1916). American writer who went to the Klondike gold rush at 21. The Call of the Wild (1903) follows a sled dog who returns to the wild.
Questions
- What does "Master or be mastered." mean?
- In the wild, London writes, there was no middle course for Buck. In human life, the line works best turned inward: master your habits or they master you. Take charge of yourself.
- Who said "Master or be mastered."?
- Jack London (1876–1916). Source: The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 6.
- What is the original wording?
- He must master or be mastered (Original English (The Call of the Wild, 1903)). Written in English: The Call of the Wild, 1903.
- Is "Master or be mastered." on a shirt?
- Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.
Cite this line
"Master or be mastered." (Jack London, The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 6, trans. Original English (The Call of the Wild, 1903)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/master-or-be-mastered
Filed under Quotes about discipline and grit.
Wear it your way
The same line in every look it fits. Each one is printed to order on heavy cotton, same price.
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More from Jack London
- There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life.The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 3
- When you are most alive, you forget you are alive.The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 3
- The sheer surging of life. The tidal wave of being.The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 3
- Life turned fiercer. He faced it uncowed.The Call of the Wild (1903), ch. 1
