What moments do you think made history? What sort of people drew the maps of the world we know today? Did they follow the well-worn path of others?
Did they structure their lives and actions within the confines of an acceptable and risk-free box - contained for their own safety and the security of a calculable quantity of success - and nothing more?
People like, James Cook, did not. In a time when the life of sailors was rampant with scurvy, he never lost a man to the disease - but that isn't what he was remembered for - not entirely.
He had a keen interest in science, care for his men, and believed in the power of technology and innovation - but that wasn't all he was remembered for.
He was not just remembered for his stunning developments in the measurement of latitude and longitude, though it was an impressive feat.
Captain Cook, like all those that changed the face of history, had a very powerful tool. Every great man or woman, who is remembered, is noted for having this one thing:
- Boldness.
All who have achieved greatness had this quality. The legendary warriors and kings, the women who fought for equality, the slaves running, furious and terrified, through the night for that underground railroad dream - bold.
Bold were the explorers who brought us to the ends of the earth, to the sea, to the sky, and now to endless black space - infinitely scattered with the beauty of burning grains of sand.
Even those who were remembered for their humility - boldly maintained it in the face of human cruelty.
These people who earned the title 'great', who lived their lives with such flint, such passion, and potency, that they still inspire us today had something in common with you and me.
They had something before they had greatness - something that, you also have.
A Choice.
You and I have choices.
We can choose to take the lot we are given - and nothing more.
We can choose to live the norm - safe and sound in our little controlled environment; An environment controlled by the opinions and fears of others.
Or...
We can choose to be bold...
We can choose to dream big, chart out the maps, design a new plan, streamline the old one, explore new ideas, and have a spirit of iron to stand behind the passionate flames of forward-change.
What others call a risk, we call necessary, because when we sail over the edge...
...and the last wave of the horizon goes over the ship's bow...we know there is a beautiful new world...