This Might Hurt Your Brain

I placed this here just because I liked the poem. This is an excerpt from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses.” The poem was written in 1833 and published in 1842. In Greek mythology, Ulysses is called Odysseus. In Roman mythology, he is Ulysses. He is the star of Homer’s “Odyssey.” Sean Bean played him in the movie “Troy” based on Homer’s “Iliad” which means Troy.

I know that no one reads Homer anymore which is sad, and all that young people may carry forward is Brad Pitt et al’s depictions of these ancient Heroes. I put a link to Sir John Gielgud reading this excerpt. I don’t think there are many people left who even know who Sir John is—a pity. P.S.—Daniel Craig as James Bond recites some of these poem lines in the movie “Skyfall” so now you know where they came from….

Come, my friends,

‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

Of all the western stars, until I die.

It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:

It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,

And see the great Achilles, whom we knew

Though much is taken, much abides; and though

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.