phi·los·o·phy (f-ls-f)
n. pl. phi·los·o·phies
1. Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.
2. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.
3. A system of thought based on or involving such inquiry: the philosophy of Hume.
4. The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs.
5. The disciplines presented in university curriculums of science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and theology.
6. The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology.
7. A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or activity; an underlying theory: an original philosophy of advertising.
8. A system of values by which one lives: has an unusual philosophy of life.
[Middle
English philosophie, from Old French, from Latin philosophia, from Greek philosophi, from philosophos, lover of wisdom, philosopher; see philosopher.]
Thought it wise to drop the above definition in .
I appreciate all the added thoughts on this. There has been many stumbling blocks in my thought process in regards to doing such a thing as shoving off to the unfamiliar . At times it seemed to hinge on the type and size of vessel that I perceived to be of the correct design and build quality that would,..along with
learning to understand
weather and practicing good seamanship would allow me to make safe
passage to my
destination. What I have learned is that there are many ways to get to the same end. Not all agree in the methods and mostly differ in opinions even considering that most valid opinions seem to come from those that are doing exactly what it is I wish to do. I now believe that providing some fundamental basics are achieved,..that anyone willing to ply the sea and
wind can and do sail all over the world in what to them seems quite safe and sound, and in relative comfort.
Some must have
water makers while others look at this as an unnecessary added headache . Some have well maintained diesels that have been customized to allow for definite warnings to most anything that could possibly cause failure and some sail out of the harbor smoking like a coal train while hoping it will start back up when they hit that windward skinny harbor. Some cannot fathom the living space for them and their loved one being less than fifty feet while others be it few actually downsize after spending years on a much larger
boat. And then there is
power generation. There is some credence in never starting a
Diesel engine and having ice cream each night while watching LCD TV while all the lights and
electronics are humming right along. Yes that is possible and most of these guys that could live at
anchor almost indefinitely are normally safely made fast to the expensive city
dock or yacht club. Why is that???
There are so many totally different types of people doing this cruising thing, and so many different methods being applied that it can be seriously confusing from the outside looking in. But for all the different ways and means of cruising there is always the same common bond in that which drives the spirit to seek the horizon and continue to ply the
wind and sea from latitudes large and small,... That they must all share the same adventurous minds and spirit of discovery within each type based on their own personal philosophy.
Things are becoming clearer to me the more I learn to understand there are many right ways. Many right boats and many right times as well. I have to make mine right for me because of something more important than just a
hull design.
Please feel free to share your own philosophy as to what cruising means to you. Thanks for taking part .
Mark