Deep Water

I. About the Author:

William O. Douglas (1898—1980) was born in Maine, Minnesota, and raised in Yakima. He
was a public official, legal educator, and associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He was
appointed to the United States Supreme Court at the age of 40 and served for more than 36
years.
This lesson is taken from William Douglas’s autobiographical book “Of Men and
Mountains,” which deals with the subject of conquering fear. Judge Douglas describes his
early life growing up in the Yakima Valley and Cascade Mountain Range in Washington
State. His descriptions of nature are highly detailed and amazing. The book expresses his love
and appreciation for nature, with great descriptions of mountain flowers, wildlife and
adventure.

II. Predominant themes:

 The excerpt emphasizes the transformative power of confronting and overcoming one’s
fear.
 Highlights the importance of perseverance, strong will power, courage and hard work,
and self-belief in in overcoming life’s challenges.

III. Glossary:
1. aversion – a strong dislike or disinclination
2. aping – imitating or mimicking
3. bruiser – a strong, well-built, and aggressive person
4. oblivion – state of being unaware or unconscious
5. vestiges – remnants of something disappearing or no longer existing
6. curtain of life fell – metaphorical expression suggesting that Douglas lost consciousness or
entered a state close to death
7. treacherous – dangerous or hazardous
8. subdued my pride – suppress or overcome one’s feelings of embarrassment or self-
consciousness

IV. Short answer questions:

1. How did William Douglas’s childhood experiences shape his fear of water?
Ans. William Douglas’s fear of water originated from traumatic childhood experience. He
vividly recalls being overwhelmed by waves at a beach in California and nearly drowning in
a pool. These experiences left deep-seated fears that resurfaced when he encountered water
later in life, leading to a paralysing terror and an aversion to swimming.
2. What was the catalyst for Douglas’s decision to overcome his fear of water?
Ans. Despite his fear, Douglas desired to explore the waters of the Cascades. However, his
deep-seated terror of water continued to haunt him, even during recreational activities like
fishing and canoeing. The desire to conquer this fear and fully embrace activities involving
water drove him to seek professional swimming instruction and face his phobia head-on.
3. How did Douglas’s childhood trauma manifest in his adult life?
Ans. Dougla’s childhood trauma of nearly drowning left an indelible impression on his
psyche, haunting him well into adulthood. Despite his intellectual understanding of the
relative safety of swimming pools versus treacherous waters, his subconscious fear of water
persisted, impacting his ability to enjoy recreational activities and explore natural
environments. This lingering trauma acted as a formidable barrier, inhibiting his freedom to
engage with the world around him entirely.
4. What strategies did Douglas employ to confront his fear of water?
Ans. Douglas adopted a multifaceted approach to face his fear of water. Recognizing the need
for professional guidance, he sought out a skilled trainer to systematically address his phobia.
Through structured lessons focusing on fundamental swimming techniques and gradual
exposure to water, he confronted his fears in a controlled environment.
He undertook personal challenges, such as swimming across lakes and navigating rivers, to
test his newly acquired skills and resilience in real-world settings.

V. Long answer questions:

1. How did the instructor “build a swimmer” out of Douglas?
Ans. The instructor “built a swimmer” out of Douglas through systematic and patient
instruction. He used a built attached to a rope, which ran through a pulley on an overhead
cable. The instructed held onto the rope as Douglas wore the belt and practised swimming
across the pool. This allowed Douglas to gradually become accustomed to being in the water
and to confront his fear.
The instructor then taught him specific breathing techniques, such as exhaling underwater
and inhaling through his nose.
He also worked on Douglas’s leg movements, gradually teaching him to kick and coordinate
his strokes. Piece by piece, the instructor helped Douglas overcome his fear and acquire the
skills necessary to swim.
2. Why does Douglas, as an adult recount a childhood experience of terror and his conquering
of it? What larger meaning does he draw from this experience?
Ans. As an adult, Douglas recounts his childhood experience of terror and his subsequent
conquest to convey a larger message about the nature of fear and the human capacity for
resilience and growth. By sharing his journey of overcoming a profound fear, he illustrates
the transformative power of confronting and conquering one’s inner demons.
Through his narrative, Douglas suggests that experiences of fear and adversity can serve as
opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. He emphasizes the importance of
perseverance, courage and seeking support in overcoming challenges. Additionally, Douglas
reflects on the existential significance of confronting mortality and the fear of death,
ultimately finding a deeper appreciation for life and the freedom to pursue his passions
without fear.
In recounting his struggle with fear and his eventual triumph, Douglas inspires readers to
confront their fears and obstacles with resilience and determination, recognizing that the
journey towards overcoming adversity can lead to profound personal transformation and
empowerment.

Only for reference:

What enduring legacy does Douglas’s narrative offer to future generations?
Ans. Douglas’s narrative of overcoming fear is a timeless testament to the indomitable spirit
of the human condition and the transformative power of courage and resilience. His story
serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, offering future generations a roadmap for
navigating the complexities of fear, inferiorities, and existential adversity.
By sharing his journey of triumph and self-discovery, Douglas imparts invaluable lessons on
the importance of confronting fear, embracing vulnerability, and living life with unwavering
authenticity and purpose.
Summary
The excerpt from Douglas’s “Of Men and Mountains” recounts his harrowing experience of
nearly drowning as a child, which instilled in him a deep sense of fear of water. Douglas
vividly describes his initial attempts to overcome his fear at the YMCA pool, only to be
thrown into the deep end by a bully, resulting in a paralysing terror and aversion to
swimming.
Despite years of avoiding water-related activities due to fear, Douglas eventually confronts
his phobia head-on. He enlists the help of a swimming instructor and undergoes rigorous
training to learn how to swim. Through perseverance and determination, he gradually
conquers his fear, first in the pool and then in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers.
The experience of overcoming such a formidable obstacle served as a testament to the
strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of confronting one’s fear. Through
this struggle, Douglas gains a deeper appreciation for life and a newfound sense of freedom
and confidence.