DEEP WATER

''BE NOT AFRAID OF GROWING SLOWLY
BE AFRAID OF STANDING STILL''.

Deep Water, Deep will Power

William Douglas(

Main Points of

“Deep Water” – William Douglas

Deep Water is an autobiographical chapter from William O. Douglas’s Of Men and Mountains. It describes his fear of water and his struggle to overcome it.

1. Early fear of water – As a child, Douglas was frightened by waves at the beach in California after a strong wave knocked him down.
2. Swimming pool incident – At the YMCA swimming pool, an older boy threw Douglas into the deep end. Douglas did not know how to swim properly and nearly drowned.
3. Traumatic experience – The incident left him with a deep fear of water. Whenever he tried to swim, fear and panic returned.
4. Fear affected his life – He avoided swimming, fishing, canoeing and other water-related activities because of his fear.
5. Decision to overcome fear – Douglas hired a professional swimming instructor to teach him systematically.
6. Learning step by step – The instructor taught him swimming through exercises involving breathing, kicking, arm movements and gradual practice.
7. Fear still remained – Even after learning to swim, Douglas tested himself in different lakes and pools to make sure that the fear was completely gone.
8. Final victory – He eventually conquered his fear and became confident in the water.
9. Central message – The chapter shows that fear can be overcome through determination, courage, patience and persistent effort.

Important Theme

“All we have to fear is fear itself.”

The chapter teaches that fear is often more dangerous than the actual situation, and facing it gradually can lead to freedom and confidence.