Tim Jarvis’s best life
In the lead-up to his appearance at WOMADelaide’s The Planet Talks forum, environmental scientist and advocate Tim Jarvis talks with SALIFE about living life on his terms.
Describe the best day of your life.
Other than the arrival of my two sons into the world, it would be seeing the small collection of buildings at the South Pole after 47 days of travel on foot in Antarctica, the last 17 days of which were flying blind when my GPS packed up. I went back to navigational basics and it thankfully worked. If you don’t know where you are or where you’re going it can be challenging but strangely liberating …
What brings you joy in life?
I think it depends on what you mean by ‘joy’. There are many things in life that are pleasurable or fun and give you a quick sugar hit, but real joy is a deep sense of satisfaction you get in doing something big and meaningful together with people you like or respect. It’s what the philosopher Aristotle called ‘eudaimonia’. I get that from the expeditions I do with high-calibre people, spending time with family and in the environmental work I do.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
“Deeds not words” – Winston Churchill (not given personally of course, but great advice!)
What is your most treasured photograph you have?
A picture of my two boys William, left, and Jack, right. William drew a picture of him and his brother, and then they tried to replicate the drawing.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
It would be the meal I had after 47 days on a starvation ration of lard and kangaroo jerky during my expedition in Antarctica retracing the polar survival journey of Sir Douglas Mawson. I think it involved chips, but it didn’t really matter what it was.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
Modesty, humour, integrity, resilience and independence.
What are the best 5 songs on your Spotify playlist?
That’s a tough one, as I like many types of music depending on my mood. I could easily list 50. Five I love are:
E.V.A. – Public Service Broadcasting
Skankin’ Sweet – Chronixx
Change of Heart – Change
Lucretia – Sisters of Mercy
Jerusalem – Vangelis
Your life philosophy is …
Make it count.
