“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.“
– Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt of America. The First Lady was immensely shy in her younger days. Gradually, she outgrew her shyness and became one of the toughest lady politicians who could take a stand when needed. She is best known for playing a crucial role in development and the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights during her tenure as the American delegate at the United Nations. She went on to become the chairperson of the UN’s Human Rights Commission.

Relating the quote to the story

Boris mocks Fergus when Fergus wants to help Jimmy tow the oil tanker to the Quay. Boris says that Fergus is a small ferry and his engine is too weak to be of any help to Jimmy. But Fergus chooses to ignore Boris’ words. His belief in himself helps him accomplish a difficult task successfully. You do not become weak or inferior just because someone says so. You become weak when you start believing it.