The Camel and the Soul Journey Part 2:The Ripple Effect of Resolve

Part 2 Overcoming Mental Slavery and The Ripple Effect of Resolve

So, remember the other day when I told you about the runaway slave, Dabisir—from George S. Clason’s classic, The Richest Man in Babylon? If not, nuh worry yuh-self. Later, you can always check Part 1. For now, stay right here wit’ me.

The story still lingers with me because Dabisir’s journey isn’t just about crossing a desert; it’s about crossing that invisible line between defeat and determination. His manager’s question, “Do you have the soul of a slave or the soul of a free man?” haunted him until, at the brink of death, he finally chose freedom.

And it got me thinking: there are real-life modern men who’ve been “trapped in their bodies,” yet, somehow they chose to live free within those limits. I call them death-defying limits. Men like Dr. Stephen Hawking and Henry Fraser. What can they teach us about resilience, identity, and strength?

Let’s take a walk down this lane to find out. Sometimes it’s real good when friends reason together, don’t it? Yeh man!

Pausing vs. Quitting

Notice the subtle but powerful distinction the author makes here: “—even while staggering weakly to his feet, [Dabisir is] thrilled with great resolve.”

Dabisir’s weak staggering highlights his ongoing struggle. Yet, in that moment of great resolve, we see that pause and quit are related, but not the same: what you do determines which one it is.

This resolve seemed to inject him with vitality that erased his haggard, gaunt appearance. Rather than looking like a zombie or a slave, Dabisir is robed in rich confidence and optimism. As he said, determination became his GPS — guiding him to Babylon and, over time, to layers of success. How incredible!

Even the camels responded to his resolve, continuing the arduous trek. From a literary standpoint, Clason’s choice of camels is no accident. These hump-backed, two-toed creatures, able to carry up to 900 lbs., endure extreme heat and harsh conditions, often traveling days without food or water. That both Dabisir and the camels pressed on underscores the magnitude of his determination.

Death-Defying Limits 

This story also made me pause and reflect on my own trying circumstances. I could faintly hear Marcus Garvey’s words: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds!” 

It rippled further, bringing to mind Nelson Mandela in his tiny 6.4 x 5.4 metre (8ft x 7ft) prison cell, living as a “freed man” even though he had no certainty of release for 27 years. Truly, if he had not maintained that mindset, his captors would not have respected him, and he certainly would not have become President of South Africa later.

Aaaiii, but consider also Dr. Stephen Hawking. While pursuing graduate studies, this brilliant young scientist was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a degenerative illness that causes muscle atrophy and drastically shortens life expectancy.

Yet, as highlighted in a short article entitled Dr. Stephen Hawking: A Case Study on Using Technology to Communicate with the World, what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. His journey spurred advances in assistive technology and reshaped the world’s understanding of inclusivity — reminding us that every life, regardless of limitation, holds boundless value. In fact, he lived 55 years more!

In a 2004 New York Times Magazine interview, Professor Hawking revealed his remarkable mindset:

“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.”

I wonder — do you and I view our own challenging circumstances that way?

When we compare our lives to that of these men, would we measure up as heroes?

Little Big Things

This contemplation reminds me of another person — a young man I met earlier this year when my friend Eulina gifted me the book Little Big Things. It’s the autobiography of Henry Fraser, a modern-day inspiration — an athlete turned author, speaker and mouth-painter. Henry’s story shows that courage and purpose aren’t bound by age, circumstance, or physical limitation.

I highly recommend his story. It’s a marvelous read — simple, yet never simplistic. Informative without being weighty or soppy.

Even though we live worlds apart, his life lessons are deeply relatable. For instance, he writes:

“Acceptance gives you the permission and power to move on and, once you move on, you can adapt.”

Tell me now — doesn’t Dabisir’s story prove the same truth? That he found both permission and power to move on and adapt? Acceptance, I believe, is key to gaining resolve.

Consider another of Henry Fraser’s reflections:

“Adversity has given me a gift; enabled me to discover an ability that I would never have otherwise known existed. And for that, I am deeply grateful.”

Isn’t it curious that adversity has a strange way of revealing and refining our strengths? It may take time, but once the truth emerges, it’s undeniable.

Aaaaiii, gratitude — that’s another vital element, one that strengthens resolve and lights the path along our journey.

The Two Bonus Gems

My friend, seeing that you are still reading at this point, may I share two bonus gems I discovered from this story?

Camel Power by Gail Fraser, Oct. 2025

Notice that Dabisir could not have been faulted if he left the camels to die. Certainly, traveling with weak camels brought extra responsibility, to say the least. Yet, somehow, he kept his faithful companions. Later, in Babylon they helped him reestablish his business.

Does that say something to you?

To me, it says,

“Gail, keep your assets. No matter what, try to keep your values within and without. When you get “home” you will benefit from them for continued success.”

With this new wisdom came another fresh perspective. The camel’s ability to endure the sandstorm—shutting its nostrils, shielding its eyes with long double lashes, and turning its face into the wind—became my personal touchstone.

I began facing my own challenges with that same quiet resilience, learning to ignore the pesky problems that buzzed before me. They had a way of draining energy and swirling a veil that blurred vision.

And trust me — it was hard work. Yes, it was! Some days were so dizzying they left me in a d-a-z-e. But look — see that I made it to another month, and I’m here sharing with you? Ooo yes — progress has been made. Yeah! Keep going like this and I’ll make it to the end of the year too.

Mi Fren’, thanks to Dabisir, the camels, and the other real-life heroes mentioned, we can continue our trek. We can evade despair by reclaiming our true identity, accepting our reality, and reaching for the bonuses life has on offer. Step by step, with determination, we shall reach home – with the soul of a free man.

One Las’ T’ing

Before we part company, let’s reason together lickle more. Who or what story comes to your mind when you think about adversity, freedom, or resolve? Share it in the comments so we can all grow wiser together — because, trust me, there are other Dabisirs in the world who need to hear these stories too.

And if this blog stirred something in you, do pass it on. Somewhere out there, another weary traveler — perhaps feeling deserted or lonely — could use this reminder that the soul of a free man still lives within.

Walk good, me Fren’. Walk good, you hear!

Mission 59-1