William Henley begins his famous poem Invictus as follows:
“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”
Henley had his leg amputated and later spent 20 months in an infirmary in order to save his second leg from amputation. The circumstances of his life surely taught him how to overcome adversity. He was determined to have an unconquerable soul.
He concluded Invictus with the proclamation:
“I am the master of my fate,
I am the Captain of my soul”
Personal sovereignty requires the adoption of that proclamation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a sovereign as one that exercises supreme authority within a limited sphere. The first sphere of sovereignty has to be at the individual level.
Repeat the refrain “I am the master of my fate.” Personal sovereignty requires breaking the bonds that eliminate freedom. A sovereign knows that he is in charge. Personal sovereignty requires the development of an “unconquerable soul.” Every individual has the right to exercise supreme authority in their personal life. Do not yield that sovereignty lightly for once it is gone it is hard to regain.
At times others will try to claim your sovereignty. This can take many forms and the motivations will vary. In the pursuit of power others will try to coerce you into surrendering your sovereignty. Others will try to trick you into ceding sovereignty in the name of lust or pleasure. Blinded by hatred or distracted by cunning snares an individual may lose a level of sovereignty.
Every individual is born with personal sovereignty which bestows every individual with the freedom to choose their own path. Find the aspects of your life that limit your abilities and plan ways to reassert your sovereignty. Do not yield to those who would teach you that you have no value. You are the master of your fate. You are the sovereign in charge.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
Samuel Johnson was among the most influential literary figures of eighteenth-century England.
He achieved extraordinary intellectual distinction through his essays, poetry, criticism, and his celebrated Dictionary of the English Language.
Yet Johnson’s personal life was far from uncomplicated.
He struggled with recurring melancholy, anxiety about his spiritual condition, and profound dissatisfaction with himself.
Despite these difficulties, Johnson demonstrated remarkable generosity toward people in need.
He provided financial assistance, offered hospitality, and maintained relationships with individuals who were frequently overlooked or marginalized by polite society.
Johnson’s life provides an interesting contrast to Sydney Carton’s.
Both men possessed exceptional intellectual abilities.
Both experienced deep personal dissatisfaction.
But Johnson repeatedly converted his abilities into substantial achievements while also demonstrating compassion through his ...
