I believe that much of a man's character will be found betokened in his backbone. I would rather feel your spine than your skull, whoever you are. A thin joist of a spine never yet upheld a full and noble soul. I rejoice in my spine, as in the firm audacious staff of that flag which I fling half out to the world.
In this excerpt from Moby Dick, Herman Melville suggests that a person's character is deeply rooted in their inner strength and resilience, represented metaphorically by the spine. He expresses a preference for recognizing someone's strength and integrity over their intellect or superficial qualities, implying that true nobility comes from a solid foundation of character rather than mere appearance or thought. This perspective emphasizes the importance of physical and moral backbone in defining a person's worth.
Melville's reflection reveals a celebration of strength and determination, symbolizing the spine as a representation of one's support and courage. A weak spine indicates a lack of inner strength, which he believes cannot support a grand or virtuous soul. By likening his appreciation for the spine to a flag of audacity, he conveys pride in fortitude and the desire to showcase that strength to the world. Ultimately, this passage illustrates the profound connection between physical attributes and moral character.
