'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

ok , why whenever I hear this famous quote do I surpress a smirk/giggle ?

£40,000 estimate on Captain Oates case - Telegraph

maybe it's from a 'monty python' skit , but why has this quote come down into the English language as an example of British/English pomposity and upper crust valor ? is it because it sounds so 'John Cleesian" or just an example of a time/era long gone ? :confused: :confused:

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

sorry Willow , you will have to wait for karma , ;) it's the 'Britishness' like in the 'Four Feathers' which seems to have gone away and has been replaced by cynicism, and oppertunism :D :D

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

Did the upper classes really practice 'noblesse oblige', or was it all propaganda, facilitated by J. Arthur Rank etc?

Most of then were happy for the peasants to be kept down mines, in the mill, or up a chimney.

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

think its a wonderful story of a time long ago and gone forever probably,Britishness describes it perfectly to me, though younger ones will possibly not have a clue what we are on about.

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

The quote comes from Scott's diary, written shortly before he himself died. I cannot see any logical reason why the good Captain may have made it up.

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

I was once told that Oates was not fit enough for the venture but Scott had included him based on past reputation,perhaps he somewhat embellished the final hours....No one will ever know.

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

Not really all that long ago, just a shade beyond living memory. And the spirit of Oates did not die with him; it was still alive in 1940. I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes, from Len Deighton's "Blood, Tears, and Folly": "half a century has passed, and the time has come to sweep away the myths and reveal the no less inspiring gleam of that complex and frightening time in which evil was in the ascendant, goodness diffident, and the British - impetuous, foolish and brave beyond measure - the world's only hope." That's Britishness ... unfortunately it is, if not dead, at least on its last legs. When courage and self sacrifice have become something to smirk at and to question, we are in a sad state.

Re: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
 

Capt Scott and Oates in particular are firm favourites of my Mum; I agree with her and have to admire their determination and bravery.
For Oates to walk out of the tent to his certain death takes a hell of a lot of " cojones" , that bloke was brave.
I can't imagine what drives people to do these incredible feats but they have my utmost admiration.