Literature is a four dimensional network of perspectives, especially useful when art is not the topic. Lately I’ve been enjoying Joseph Conrad, and think the following excerpt should be worth a smile at least:
“Why must the sea be used for trade—and for war as well? Why kill and traffic on it, pursuing selfish aims of no great importance after all? It would have been so much nicer just to sail about with here and there a port and a bit of land to stretch ones legs on, buy a few books and get a change of cooking for a while. But, living in a world more or less homicidal and desperately mercantile, it was plainly my duty to make the best of its opportunities.”
This might be good place to remember Rodney Graham’s song lyrics, which often have a nautical theme. Artist as sailor.
Rodney Graham, Vexation Island 1997
Sixteen men on a dead man’s chest.
They all gave their personal best. (I must make a note of this)
Here’s my message ship to shore: “Send more hor d’oeuvres and Fundador.”
For it is motion I deplore, and I shall roam nevermore.
‘Living the Arrrrmerican dream’
Arrr. Ye wouldna’ be talkin’ pirate now would ye?