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.
William Ernest Henley
Author’s footnote:
One of my personal favourite quotes of all time. Despite the hardships and endless challenges we face, it is important to embrace the “never say die” attitude and never let fate decide the course of your life. I literally memorize “Invictus” and “The Man in the Arena” word for word and they somehow guide me through my university days, constantly reminding myself that for every obstacles I face, they present themselves as learning opportunities and valuable life lessons.
To you reader:
You are the master of your fate
You are the captain of your soul
