A Duquesne Student's Blog

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Here's some advice from a 70 year old sailor of the world in the 1860's. It is from the book Hawaii by James A. Michener (pictured right), an epic tale of the people who came to Hawaii over many generations. The advice is being given to the 13 year old boy Whip Hoxworth, embarking on a sailing trip around the world from Hawaii.

Captain Rafer Hoxworth:

1. "Whip, the two greatest things in life are sailing into a strange port and thinking, 'I can make this city mine' and sailing into the harbor of a strange woman and saying, 'I can make this woman mine'... "

2. "Living seventy years is a tremendous adventure. You're thirteen now. You've probably got fifty seven Christmases left. Enjoy each one as if you would never see another, for by God, the day soon comes when you won't. You've got about two and a half thousand more Saturday nights remaining. Get your self a girl and enjoy her. Never take a girl lightly. You may never sleep with another. Or she may be the one you'll always remember as the best of the lot."

3. "Be on top of the wheel as it turns, not dragging along at the bottom."

4. "You'll apreciate clothes more if you have to work for them"

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5. "Now, Whip, if you get into a fight, and you will, remember one thing. Fight to kill. There's no other rule. And when you've got a man fairly licked and on the deck, always kick him in the face so that when he gets up he can't contend that he almost had you down. Bruise him, scar him, mutilate him so that he never forgets who's boss. And when you've done this, help him up and be generous."

(I wouldn't recommend this)

6. "Whip, you've tasted Chinese girls and Spaniards. There are a thousand more to sample. Try 'em all. That's the one thing you'll do in life that you'll never regret."