OpenPolitik Blog

Oh yeah, thought you may be interested that most of my blogging time is devoted to these two blogs:

http://blog.openpolitik.com.au
My blog on all things open source and transparent in politics, economics and business.


http://blog.publicisdigital.com.au
Our team work blog focusing on digital and interactive media, creative and marketing.

Take the ticket, enjoy the ride

I took these last week at Coffs Harbour Jetty, the full set can be viewed on my Flickr page: http://flickr.com/photos/samgranleese/

Differing perceptions: Dr Livingston meets H.M. Stanley

It is said that in all the world no two men could have differed so much from one another as Dr David Livingstone and Sir Henry Morton Stanley. Livingstone was a British national hero: revered scientist, missionary, explorer and anti-slavery campaigner. Stanley a self-promoting soldier-turned-journalist for the New York Herald. The Herald had granted Stanley the assignment of finding Livingstone, who was known to be in Africa but not seen for over five years. Stanley had lobbied for the job for several years presuming it would bring him fame and fortune.

Upon their famous meeting, some eight months after H.M. Stanley began searching for him, Dr Livingstone wrote:

..When my spirits were at their lowest ebb the good Samaritan was close at hand, for one morning Susi came running at the top of his speed and gasped out, 'An Englishman! I see him!' and off he darted to meet him. The American flag at the head of the caravan told of the nationality of the stranger. Bales of goods, baths of tin, huge kettles, cooking-pots, tents, etc., made me think, 'This must be a luxurious traveller, and not one at his wits' end like me.'

Stanley's famous description of the meeting is much more colourful:

Selim said to me, 'I see the Doctor, sir. Oh, what an old man! He has got a white beard!' And I - what would I not have given for a bit of friendly wilderness, where, unseen, I might vent my joy in some mad freak, such idiotically biting my hand, turning a somersault, or slashing at trees, in order to allay those exciting feelings that were well-nigh uncontrollable. My heart beats fast, but I must not let my face betray my emotions, lest it shall detract from the dignity of a white man appearing under such extraordinary circumstances.

So I did that which I thought was most dignified. I pushed back the crowds, and passing from the rear, walked down a living avenue of people, until I came in front of the semicircle of Arabs, before which stood 'the white man with the grey beard'. As I advanced slowly towards him I noticed he was pale, looked wearied, had grey whiskers and mustache, wore a bluish cap with a faded gold band around it, had a red-sleeved waistcoat, and a pair of grey tweed trousers. I would have run to him, only I was a coward in the presence of such a mob - would have embraced him, but that I did not known how he would receive me. So I did what moral cowardice and false pride suggested was the best thing - walked deliberately up to him, took off my hat, and said. 'Dr Livingstone, I presume?' 'Yes,' he said, with a kind smile, lifting his cap slightly.

I replaced my hat on my head, and he replaced his cap, and we both grasped hands, and then I said aloud: 'I thank God, Doctor, I have been permitted to see you.'

He answered, 'I feel thankful that I am here to welcome you.'

Image via Smithsonion. Quotes sourced from The White Nile by Alan Moorehead