“Swerve me? The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run. Over unsounded gorges, through the rifled hearts of mountains, under torrents' beds, unerringly I rush! Naught's an obstacle, naught's an angle to the iron way!”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from Herman Melville's work, the speaker emphasizes their unwavering commitment to their purpose, likening their path to iron rails that guide their soul's journey. The imagery of traveling through challenging terrain such as unsounded gorges and rifled mountains conveys the speaker's determination and fearlessness in overcoming obstacles. The use of exclamation points and strong language, such as "naught's an obstacle, naught's an angle," further emphasizes the speaker's resolute and unstoppable nature. Overall, this quote highlights the power of determination and perseverance in pursuing one's goals, no matter the hardships faced along the way.
Finding Determination in a Chaotic World
In this quote from Herman Melville's famous novel, "Moby Dick", the protagonist Ahab shows unwavering determination and focus on his goal of hunting the white whale. This idea of being on a fixed path, with obstacles being mere inconveniences, can be seen as a reflection of modern times. In a world full of distractions and challenges, it is important to stay focused on our goals and push through any obstacles that come our way. Just like Ahab's iron path, we must stay true to our purpose and not let anything derail us from achieving our dreams.
Example of Usage
"“Swerve me? The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run. Over unsounded gorges, through the rifled hearts of mountains, under torrents' beds, unerringly I rush! Naught's an obstacle, naught's an angle to the iron way!” - Herman Melville"
Reflection Questions
This powerful quote by Herman Melville speaks to the determination and perseverance necessary to achieve one's goals. As you reflect on this quote, consider the following questions:
- What is your "fixed purpose" or ultimate goal in life?
- How do you envision the path to reaching this goal, and what obstacles do you anticipate encountering along the way?
- How can you cultivate the unwavering determination and focus described in the quote to stay on course towards your goal?
- Reflect on a time when you felt like you were "rushing unerringly" towards a goal. What fueled your determination and how did you overcome obstacles in your path?
- In what ways can you apply the metaphor of the "iron rails" and "grooved soul" to your own journey towards achieving your ambitions?
Similar quotes
“The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails whereon my soul is grooved to run”
“and there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he forever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than the other birds upon the plain, even though they soar.”
“There is a wisdom that is woe; but there is a woe that is madness. And there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he for ever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than other birds upon the plain, even though they soar.”
“oaths and anchors equally will drag: naught else abides on fickle earth but unkept promises of joy.”
“And even if he for ever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than other birds upon the plain, even though they soar.”
“Even Solomon, he says, “the man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Give not thyself up, then, to fire, lest it invert thee, deaden thee, as for the time it did me. There is a wisdom that is woe; but there is a woe that is madness. And there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he for ever flies within the gorge, that gore is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than other birds upon the plain, even though they soar. (pg 465)”