On the first day of my sophomore year, I found a few lines inscribed on my hostel room wall in light green color. They were:
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Reading these lines made me curious enough to know more about it. They were actually from a short Victorian poem “Invictus”, by the English poet William Ernest Henley. Invictus is a Latin adjective meaning ‘unconquered’ or ‘unsubdued’ or ‘invincible’.
These verses were written while Henley was recovering from having a leg amputated. This period of his life, coupled with recollections of an impoverished childhood, were primary inspirations for the poem.
As a matter of fact, this poem was a source of strength and inspiration for Nelson Mandela, while he was incarcerated at Robben Island prison. He used to recite this poem to other prisoners and was empowered by its message of self-mastery. Also, the Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi stated that this poem had inspired her father, Aung San, and his contemporaries during the independence struggle.
It continues to inspire many others because it incites the feeling that you alone can control your fate, know what is best for you and which path to choose.
This poem had really touched my heart and I wanted it to be my first blog post.
So here is the complete poem,
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.