And suddenly I rejoiced in the great security of the sea as compared with the unrest of the land, in my choice of that untempted life presenting no disquieting problems, invested with an elementary moral beauty by the absolute straightforwardness of its appeal and by the singleness of its purpose.

Going home must be like going to render an account.

I always went my own road and on my own legs where I had a mind to go

The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness.

For there is nothing mysterious to a seaman unless it be the sea itself, which is the mistress of his existence.

I slipped the book into my pocket. I assure you to leave off reading was like tearing myself away from the shelter of an old and solid friendship.

It is the mark of an inexperienced man not to believe in luck.