Richard Francis Burton
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Richard Francis Burton
Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGSwas a British explorer, geographer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, cartographer, ethnologist, spy, linguist, poet, fencer, and diplomat. He was famed for his travels and explorations in Asia, Africa and the Americas, as well as his extraordinary knowledge of languages and cultures. According to one count, he spoke 29 European, Asian and African languages...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionExplorer
Date of Birth19 March 1821
aroused morning
Between 2 and 3 in the morning of the 19th inst. I was aroused by the cry that the enemy was upon us.
surrounded
Wherever we halted we were surrounded by wandering troops of Bedouins.
disappointment giving mind
How melancholy a thing is success. Whilst failure inspirits a man, attainment reads the sad prosy lesson that all our glories "Are shadows, not substantial things." Truly said the sayer, "disappointment is the salt of life" a salutary bitter which strengthens the mind for fresh exertion, and gives a double value to the prize.
ambition liberty slave
The dearest ambition of a slave is not liberty, but to have a slave of his own.
inspirational travel journey
Of the gladdest moments in human life...is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands.
knowledge knows
Indeed he knows not how to know who knows not also how to un-know.
thee manhood
Do what thy manhood bids thee do.
doctors
When doctors differ who decides amid the milliard-headed throng?
sea wings islands
One cannot look at the sea without wishing for the wings of a swallow.
fun men shining
Cease, man, to mourn, to weep, to wail; Enjoy thy shining hour of sun; We dance along Death's icy brink, But is the dance less full of fun?