“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
William Ernest Henley wrote these often quoted lines of poetry in 1875 while in a hospital recovering from tuberculosis of the bone that required an amputation of one leg and surgery on the other. The title of the poem is “Invictus” which means “unconquered” or “undefeated.” Originally published without a title, it has had many titles including “Captain of My Soul” and “Song of a Strong Soul.” This poem evokes the Victorian stoicism of a “stiff upper life” as it would be called in the author’s British culture.
Invictus was a favorite poem of Nelson Mandela that helped him keep up his spirit during his years of imprisonment.
May it help you too …
Invictus
~ by William Ernest Henley
Thoroughly enjoyed this Poem…and the motivational thoughts that you post! Keep up the good work.