I've always harbored a dark, secret (some would say destructive) desire to engage in open-seas piracy. I know piracy has become a bit more en-vogue after Johnny Depp's performances in the Pirates movies, but for some of us, it's an "all-too real" allurement that can wreak havoc on the soul. To think of all the time I've wasted dreaming of salty air, bad rum, and cannons blasting. Sometimes when I'm alone I wear an eye-patch....
Actually, for a more serious answer, I would have to say that my greatest fear is to be overcome with greed. I think it's easy, particularly after years of graduate school, to want to divorce yourself from all the material sacrifices you've made. When others of your peer group are buying homes and decent cars, it's only natural to feel frustrated & embittered by what you lack; i.e. a small apartment and a beat up honda. And, ultimately, the pay-off is, well, not really a financial pay-off. So, it's easy to want more; financial security and independence, better stuff, and vacations! In themselves they aren't bad things, but when you inordinately desire them, the consequences can be severe.
On a side note, some guys started a Pirates club when my sister was at Carolina. I always thought it would be the coolest thing you could ever do. Imagine waking up at 6am, putting on a good pirate's garb, loading 10-deep on a small skiff, and then "attacking" the women's rowing team!
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