The explorer Benedict Allen has an interesting Q&A page on his website. I was particularly drawn to the sections where he talks about his motivation, and his advice for those looking to go down similar paths. Here’s a few snippets,
“I felt a real NEED – a burning desire – to push myself to the limit. I wasn’t interested in “travel” per se, but in exploration – going to unknown places and reporting back. That communication aspect was always crucial to me.
Most artist/writer/photographer friends of mine have taken about ten years to break through. And I think “adventurers” and “explorers” are perhaps more by nature artists than scientists – that is, they are driven, soul-searching people. Unfortunately these people have to be prepared to have a tough time – they are following their own desires, after-all.For twelve years I was in more-or-less poverty: I worked in bookshops and warehouses and lived with my mum and dad until I was about 26-27. I wrote five books during this time – and no, they did not keep me afloat, even living a fairly modest, bachelor life. The only change came about really when I was given a camcorder by the BBC, and made my first programme, so pioneering the filming of genuine expeditions for TV. Even then, the BBC didn’t pay for the first expeditions (both taking 6 months or more of my time). So, mine was a long, hard slog sadly – and my financial position is not really secure even now, having forged a name for myself. I’mm sure you can succeed – it’s a question of whether you are prepared to make the sacrifices.
All in all, not a very cheery message – it’s hard to make a living doing what I do. I’mm one of the few who do. It’s come at great costs – an irregular, often low income and often shattered personal life. But it’s what, in the end, I chose to do – and you only get one life don’t you?I have never understood why I risk my life by trekking through the Amazon, or walking across the Gobi Desert with camels. I feel “driven”: my soul, if you like, seems to long to be out in the middle of nowhere, where I am forced to confront nature. It’s very difficult to give a good reason. But after having had one adventure, the feeling you get having succeeded against so many obstacles – e.g. having walked up the Skeleton Coast with camels, as I did in Namibia for instance – is so wonderful, that eventually you want to go back and try a new challenge.
Essentially, I felt I NEEDED to be an adventurer and writer, and without that drive I wouldn’t have been able to do it. Even now, money is uncertain, and my office is chaos! Anyone can be a professional explorer, if that’s what they really, really want to do. It’s not easy though – but if it was, everyone would do it! Read and read – look at old and new maps. And start to hatch a plan. Nothing like an empty place on a map to excite me!
Someone years ago advised me to “Follow your own True North.” That’s what I’md say to you!”
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