Meaning: The quote "Certainly dog driving is the most terrible work one has to face in this sort of business" by Robert Scott, the famous British Royal Navy officer and explorer, reflects the challenges and hardships faced during polar exploration in the early 20th century. The quote alludes to the arduous task of driving dog sleds in the harsh and unforgiving environments of the polar regions during expeditions. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context of polar exploration and the role of dog sleds in such expeditions.

During the heroic age of polar exploration, which spanned from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, numerous expeditions were launched to explore the uncharted territories of the Arctic and Antarctic. These expeditions were marked by extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures, treacherous terrain, and isolation from the rest of the world. In such challenging environments, the use of dog sleds became indispensable for transportation and hauling supplies across vast expanses of ice and snow.

Dog driving, or the act of harnessing and commanding a team of sled dogs, was a fundamental aspect of polar exploration. Sled dogs, typically breeds such as Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes, were invaluable companions for explorers, providing the primary means of transportation in the polar regions. The quote by Robert Scott underscores the strenuous nature of dog driving, highlighting the physical and mental demands placed on the individuals responsible for managing and guiding the sled dogs.

The "terrible work" mentioned in the quote can be interpreted as the grueling nature of dog driving in the extreme polar conditions. Navigating through blizzards, traversing crevasses, and enduring long, exhausting journeys over ice and snow placed immense strain on both the sled dogs and the human drivers. Moreover, the logistical challenges of managing a team of dogs, ensuring their well-being, and maintaining control over the sled in hazardous conditions added to the complexity of dog driving in polar exploration.

In the context of Robert Scott's own polar expeditions, particularly his ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition to the Antarctic, the quote takes on added significance. Scott and his team famously utilized dog sleds as part of their transportation strategy, alongside ponies and man-hauling. The difficulties encountered during the expedition, including harsh weather, limited food supplies, and the ultimate tragedy of reaching the South Pole only to find that they had been preceded by Roald Amundsen's Norwegian expedition, underscore the immense challenges faced by polar explorers and their reliance on dog driving.

Despite the hardships associated with dog driving, sled dogs played a crucial role in the success and survival of polar expeditions. Their agility, endurance, and ability to navigate the icy terrain made them indispensable companions for explorers venturing into the polar wilderness. While the quote by Robert Scott emphasizes the arduous nature of dog driving, it also acknowledges the pivotal role of sled dogs in enabling exploration and scientific discovery in some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.

In conclusion, Robert Scott's quote "Certainly dog driving is the most terrible work one has to face in this sort of business" encapsulates the formidable challenges and hardships inherent in polar exploration, particularly the demanding nature of managing sled dogs in extreme conditions. It sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of dog driving, while also highlighting the indispensable role played by sled dogs in enabling exploration and discovery in the polar regions.