The potential for self-discovery, complemented by the capacity for transformation, is latent in every man. When circumstances provide strong incentives for change, humans find a way to harness their innate potential. In Joseph Conrad's The Secret Sharer, the overly rational captain finds himself lacking the courage necessary for his new "position of full responsibility" (677). He impulsively completes his desperate “[self-]designated task of [change]” (677) when he is catalyzed by Leggatt, a murderer he is illegally protecting. By freeing himself from hesitation and rationality and embarking on a dangerously intense test of his own abilities, the captain emerges as a mature and balanced individual. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The captain is a logical, sober and intelligent man who is propelled into his leadership position “as a result of some unimportant events particular”. (677). The resulting responsibilities, however, are immense, and he doubts his ability to manage the crew, the ship, and himself simultaneously. Now that "the quiet communion [and comfort of subordination are]... gone for good" (677), the captain is confronted with the undeniable fact that he is not just "a stranger to the ship... [but, more significantly,] a stranger to [himself]" (677). With doubt and hesitation reinforced by suspicion and disrespect from the crew, the captain isolates himself. This isolation physical and psychological forces the captain to “live as an individual rather than as a simple member of a society” (703). more than calm – almost invulnerable” (692) to succeed in his “first command” (701), the captain further desires to gain the respect and acceptance of his crew and himself He is desperate to find his potential. change; in this quest to "show himself faithful to this ideal conception of...[his] own personality [that he] secretly fixes for himself" (677), the captain sees Leggatt as the primary incarnation of self-confidence and from stubbornness the perseverance which he needs and which he lacks; Leggatt is an unrepentant murderer, the embodiment of impulsiveness, recklessness and self-confidence. However, it is not through direct association with Leggatt that the captain is able to bring out and integrate similar qualities in himself; it is not through a slavish and cowardly imitation of Leggatt but rather through the risky feat of protecting Leggatt that he is able to become an integrated whole. Letting his passion and sense of kinship for Leggatt override his usual rationality, the captain impulsively agrees to harbor the murderer. This bold disregard for society's moral code, complemented by the prioritization of his own feelings, gives the captain the opportunity to exercise himself to the fullest. Fearing the constant threat of being discovered, the captain forces himself to maintain unfailing vigilance. He combines his original insight and caution with his growing boldness to keep Leggatt hidden. Whether it's deceiving the captain of the Sephora, intimidating his steward or asserting himself, the captain pushes his abilities to the extreme limit. This process is physically taxing, and he painfully endures this “infinitely miserable time” (693). Moreover, it is mentally exhausting, as the impending peril of discovery is both “testing” (691) and “maddening” (693). The consequences of this discovery, which include a mutiny and the possible death of the captain, are all too close and" (701).