Many of my in-laws are professional seafarers. In this modern age I am always impressed by the grit required to seize your existence with the North Atlantic ocean as your essential partner. I was once surprised to learn that most old-school Newfoundland fisherman are completely unable to swim. It's not like they had a neighbourhood pool available for swimming lessons in their childhood, but beyond that, one fisherman explained to me that "if you fall into the cold North Atlantic, you're already dead - swimming will just give you false hope, and extend what's inevitable." Harsh.
There's a lesson in there somewhere about perseverance, professionalism and focus. Sometimes great opportunity comes with great risk. When that is the case, keep your mind on the job, do what's necessary, and be aware of the ever-present dangers without getting overwhelmed by them. It's a lesson that doesn't seem to apply to most modern occupations, but there are plenty of things that can kill you each day - you just have to get on with it. Gauge your risks carefully, balance hope and caution, and trust that you'll fall on the right side of Darwinism.
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