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Honour the brave who sleep Where the lost 'Titanic' lies, The men who knew what a man must do When he looks Death in the eyes. 'Women and children first,'- Ah, strong and tender cry! The sons whom women had borne and nursed, Remembered,-and dared to die. The boats crept off in the dark: The great ship groaned: and then,- O stars of the night, who saw that sight, Bear witness, These were men!

Henry van Dyke#11

DeathHistoryDutyHeroismSacrifice

About this quote

What does it mean?
Men who died on the Titanic showed true manhood by prioritizing women and children over their own safety.
In plain terms
Heroes on the Titanic saved women and children at the cost of their lives.
What can you take from it?
True courage is acting selflessly in the face of death.

Where it applies

  • disaster response
  • moral choice
  • historical memory

Putting it to work

  • safety training
  • historical storytelling
  • ethical education

Questions to consider

  • What is the ultimate sacrifice?
  • How do you face fear?

Another view

It focuses on one specific cultural code of conduct.

More from Henry van Dyke

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  2. What is Friendship? Something deep That the heart can spend and keep: Wealth that greatens while we give, Praise that heartens us to live.

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  3. Count not the cost of honour to the dead! The tribute that a mighty nation pays To those who loved her well in former days Means more than gratitude for glorie…

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