In this post, I tell the inspirational story of William Ernest Henley, the English poet and writer who refused to let health challenges and setbacks define him nor stop him from his life’s work and accomplishments.

The English poet, writer, critic, and editor William Ernest Henley (1849 – 1903) became ill with tuberculosis of the bone at age 12 that caused him extreme pain and subsequently resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He finished school and worked as a journalist, but was often hospitalized and ultimately the amputation of his right foot was necessary to save his life.

Henley spent three years from 1873 to 1875 in the hospital where he continued to write and publish poetry. He was visited there by the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) and the two became friends. Stevenson later said his Long John Silver character in Treasure Island was inspired by observing Henley’s strength and courage despite his poor health and physical limitations.

Henley’s health issues, however, failed to defeat his cheerful nature and positive outlook. He wrote his famous poem Invictus in 1875 and published it in 1888 in his Book of Verses. The word “Invictus” means unbeatable, and Henley, despite the many terrible things that happened to him, kept that winning spirit alive. He wrote this poem as a way to encourage himself while in the hospital, and its legacy is a message of hope to all who are facing challenges or difficulties.

During the years he was held in prison, then future South African President Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) read Invictus aloud to encourage himself and his fellow prisoners. I can envision this scene and hear Mandela’s voice reciting: 

“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 bloodied 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 straight the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”¹

The poet Henley and the orator Mandela, through the words of the poem, are the captains of their souls and in charge of themselves. They will determine their paths and their futures. They will decide how they will handle life’s adversity. And no matter what, they will succeed.

REMEMBER

◊ American businessman and automobile executive Lee Iacocca (1924 – 2019), who led the recovery of the Chrysler Corporation among his career accomplishments, said, “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”²

◊ The British poet Lord Byron (1788 – 1824) said, “Adversity is the first path to truth.”³

◊ The Roman poet Horace (65 BC – 8 BC) said, “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” ⁴

◊ There is so much wisdom, encouragement, and enlightenment in the words of the poets. Read and study the Masters from long ago as well as today’s poets. You can start by visiting www.poetryfoundation.org.  

◊ This blog post is an excerpt from Dave’s upcoming book, Take This With You…100 Messages to Accompany You on Your Life Journey that is currently in revisions. Visit www.davidajolley.com for additional blog posts, other interesting content, and updates on future book releases and appearances.

1. Henley, William Ernest, Invictus, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51642/invictus ↩︎
2. Iacocca, Lee, BrainyQuote, www.brainyquote.com/authors/lee-iacocca-quotes ↩︎
3. Lord Byron, BrainyQuote, www.brainyquote.com/authors/lord-byron-quotes ↩︎
4. Horace, BrainyQuote, www.brainyquote.com/authors/horace-quotes ↩︎