Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER IV THE ESKIMO AT SEA One often hears the Eskimo accused of cowardice. This is no doubt mainly due to the fact that his accusers have seen him only on land, or in fine weather at sea; and then he is too good-natured and easy-going to show any courage. It may be, too, they have not taken the trouble to place themselves in sympathy with his view of life ; or else they may have caiyflfcfcm him to do things which he neither understofH P cared about. If by courage we understand the tigerish ferocity which fights to the last drop of blood, even against superior forcethat courage which, as Spencer says, is undoubtedly most common among the lowest races of men, and is especially characteristic of many species of animalsit must be admitted that of this the Eskimos do not possess any great share. They are too peaceable and good-natured, for example, to strike back when attacked ; and therefore Europeans, ever since the time of Egede and the first missionaries, have been able to strike them with impunityand to call them cowardly. But this sort of courage is held in no great respect by the natives in Greenland, and I am afraid that they do not look up to us any the more because we exhibit a superabundance of it. They have from all time respected the beautiful Christian doctrine that if a man smite you on the right cheek, 3'ou should turn to him the left also. But to conclude from this that the Eskimo is a coward would be unjust. To estimate the worth of a human being, you must see him at his work. Follow the Eskimo to sea, observe him therewhere his vocation liesand you will soon behold him in another light; for, if we understand by courage that faculty which, in moments of danger, laysits plans with calmness and executes them with ready presence of mind, or whic...
