Survival Selfishness Quiz

Study Notes

J. Bruce Ismay Overview

J. Bruce Ismay was the managing director of the White Star Line, the company that owned the RMS Titanic.
Born on December 12, 1862, he played a significant role in the development and promotion of the Titanic as an opulent ocean liner.

Post-Titanic Disaster Events

After the Titanic sank in April 1912, Ismay was one of the few prominent figures to survive the disaster by boarding a lifeboat.
He faced immediate scrutiny and backlash for his survival while many passengers, including women and children, perished.

Media and Public Criticism

Ismay was vilified by the media and the public, who labeled him a coward for escaping rather than going down with the ship.
Accusations included abandoning his responsibilities as a leader and the lack of urgency in ensuring passenger safety.

Justification for His Actions

Ismay defended his decision to save himself by claiming he was following a protocol of ship’s officers, as lifeboats were intended to be filled with survivors rather than crew members.
He argued that his survival allowed him to oversee the rescue operations and investigation afterward, contributing to maritime safety reforms.

Outcomes of Ismay's Actions

While he initially faced intense backlash, he continued to maintain his position at the White Star Line until the company was merged with Cunard Line in 1934.
Ismay's reputation never fully recovered, and he lived in relative seclusion for the remainder of his life, passing away on October 17, 1937.

Description

Survival Selfishness Quiz: Discover your perspective on self-preservation and ethical dilemmas. Explore the moral complexities of choosing between saving yourself or someone else in life-threatening situations. Based on the thought-provoking argument by Lane Wallace on the Titanic disaster.