You Bet Your Life (an essay)

[@MrNickstevenson63]

As a fellow sailor, I find myself watching videos focus on sailing. Your channel being one of my favorites. It's one thing to share your past, your story, or the road that led you to where you are rite now. Takes courage to open up and share your beliefs. Share with others the things that make you tick. A slight glimpse into your character. I get the feeling you have much more to say. Please post more essays. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

I want to be able to give this comment more than one thumbs up!

[@romandecaesar4782]

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus said, "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." It reasons, therefore, that adventure, in whatever form it takes, is merely the doorway one steps through in order to go from a life lived in fear, mediocrity and shame to a life where one's personal fulfillment of ones own abilities, gifts, skills and talents is achieved even in the face of mortal danger. And, through the fulfillment of individual potential, he creates a world that is better now than the world of yesterday. I see evidence of this found in your videos. You are alive now, and fulfilling your potential; and, in doing so, encourage many to walk through that same doorway and live. This is why I believe you have some of the best videos on KZbin. I am very grateful for your work. Thank you.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thought-provoking Kevin, and oh so much more interesting than babes on a beach in the Caribbean. May the quest for knowledge and self continue!

[@bomacca556]

I find it interesting that the U.S. founders were mostly snowbound for 4 to 6 months a year, they really had time to think. We now rush everywhere, technology has taken this time from us. Both you and Kevin give a glimpse to the lifestyle we know we need, and we are thankful for that.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Although if those babes were dancing around on my foredeck I might not be talking this way ha ha ... Fair winds, Patrick, hoping you will make it to this side of the Atlantic so we can share a beer.

[@PaudolphyGmail]

😂😂😂😂

[@brentmazerolle9986]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Since I feel like I opened the door to the beach babes discussion, I should note some of the gorgeous young couples have some quality sailing videos too. I'm also going to mangle the quote but I vaguely recall Sarte saying he would choose talking to a beautiful woman over talking about philosophy any day. Might have been the wisest thing the philosopher ever said.

[@helmrichharms2225]

Hi Kevin, this is again one of those videos to set your channel apart from most of the other sailing channels. While watching the beautiful scenery of this video and listening to your wise thoughts about life, ethics, philosophy, god, destiny and the loss of religious beliefs in our civilisation I felt, that since science has demystified most miracles of this world, we still can find divinity in beauty, in the colours of a sunrise, the elegance and playfulness of a pod of dolphins, the perfection of a rainbow or the sky in the trade winds with a white tropic bird at our mast top. And so our sailing is somehow a search for divinity.

[@farrellko]

Fantastic stuff Kevin. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela

[@operator0]

It's fun watching this channel become more and more popular. No one on social media is telling a story like yours, and It's clear that people are interested in it. I hope you will continue.

[@faqtum]

Thank you Kevin. This is one of the best videos you have posted. Beyond the human, the soul spoke,

[@xferdroid]

Beautifully said......I need to meet you and shake your hand sir. May you broad teach through life! I will need to watch this again and again.

[@jlsinchina]

Most of us are slowly pissing our lives away in some form of suburban hell. Yours is the better path, obviously.

[@Don-co9zs]

Combining what goes on within us is what makes anyone's story interesting. There is a driving compulsion in everyone that shouldn't be ignored .to be happy, fulfilled. The answer is to find it in yourself and to pursue it relentlessly. Sailing like many activities is a symbol of that pursuit

[@richardwasilkowski7355]

Your journey of discovery enlightens and encourages me , both mentally and spiritually. One of your best videos ever.

[@brentmazerolle9986]

I watch you because I had discovered Patrick Laine at some point and liked the way he combined discussion about the technique of sailing with a little bit of thought about the meaning of sailing and the seas he explores. He mentioned you somewhere along the way in a video or perhaps a comment and I checked out your channel. I have been an avid viewer since. The sailing channels that don't offer pretty young women in bikinis have to try harder, and guys like you and Mr. Laine try harder. You tried harder with this video and it is appreciated. I have really learned about sailing from you and Patrick, as well as from my favourite fellow Maritimer Alan at Sailing Wave Rover. I like the way you guys don't just talk about how to sail, but also why to sail.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by, Brent. I'm a big fan of Patrick Laine and he has steered many viewers my way. I appreciate the effort grade too, a lot of it went into this essay.

[@oceansquatch1481]

Awesome Kevin, you are the philosopher of the sandbar! Keep em coming! Fair winds

[@mr.powers1901]

Another layer to the onion that is your channel. Fantastic words and images. Thank you.

[@Ash-cy7yw]

Beautiful. All of it. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@MrA1582000]

Just about my favorite post. Thank you.

[@BsoluteZero]

Bravo! Bravo!! Bravo!!! Reminds me of when the prof asked what wisdom was, which of course i had no answer, being un-weathered! Well done! BRAVO!!!

[@dreampedaller2113]

So eloquently put and your essay is the proof that you have not expended carelessly a moment of your life. Thank you!

[@sailaway01]

J.R.R. Tolkien said: "Not all those who wander are lost."

[@jwiswall]

Deep Thoughts, by Kevin Boothby. Kidding aside, you've touched on this topic before, we're losing touch with the past reality the is truly the essence of what made modern society what it is today. I couldn't agree with you more. You are an incredible story teller, sometimes taking us around the world to places rarely seen, and sometimes it's a quiet journey through insight and wisdom. As always, thanks for having us along to share your adventure.

[@chroniclesoftheblackhole]

This is the best video you have made. You may want to incorporate more of this in future videos

[@pearlofqatar7779]

a bit older but similar paths, same destination..........same thoughts......we keep running, good luck my friend!

[@romeawde8276]

whom are the simple tortured souls that gave this a thumbs down? You poor people need to find a life. Kevin, you inspire and provide a means for a landlocked soul to dream, dream large.

[@robertpowser5624]

I'm sure it was the very mention of God, many find it so unappetizing or repulsive they can't contemplate. As for myself I greatly appreciate his POV!! Now to figure out how much 7 weighs!!

[@michaelwilliams5132]

Now that was entertaining. A person who takes time to think or thinks all the time. Awesome

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Great . To me , my personal compass , comes to me in lines from song. The secret to life is enjoying the passage of time.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

James Taylor..

[@russellesimonetta3835]

@@howtosailoceans1423 exactly. Another comes to mind . The run around life might seem nice and easy but when your blowing with the wind sometimes thing get REAL breezy! See if you can identify where that came from. We could say sail around life.

[@joeltatham5673]

Superb and thought provoking. Thanks very much for giving us an insight into your theory of life.

[@tomwaite4594]

Folks this is Boothbay at his best..Some may remember his thoughts from his clip " Philosophers Beach" which at the time was a fantastic piece of writing and on its merit should have generated several thousand new subscribers. This entry, so beautifully crafted, eclipsed that effort and deserves to be sent out to all that have wondered such matters on land or sea. Outstanding my friend, Outstanding indeed!

[@thomasceurvorst1899]

I understand what you're saying. I saved the video you referred to in my favorites as I will this one you.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks Tom! Hope all is well.

[@55longboarder]

Excellent!

[@SkylersRants]

My favorite youtube channel by many measures. I like your thoughtfulness. As for luck, one of my favorite short stories was about a couple who came into possession of a fairy house. The previous owner kept the house in a bird cage and maintained it and was paid with luck. He would find a $100 bill or would be in the right place to get an advantage on investments. The new owners didn't keep up the house and the fairies moved out, replaced by a lower class of fairies who paid them with good luck too, but their good luck was more like walking down the street and a piano falls and just misses hitting them. Yes, luck, but hardly helpful. (author Henry Kuttner, "Housing Problem") I hope you get more of the first kind of luck and less of the latter.

[@stephengreer8239]

When I played your video without the volume, I saw God everywhere! I love your videos, appreciate all your efforts too!

[@colmoreilly377]

You are my inspiration .Thanks Kevin . Can’t wait for the next voyage .

[@Sean-be8lg]

How beautiful to sail through God’s amazing tapestry. You are quite the sailor and philosopher. It is a pleasure to watch you sail the oceans and hear to your thoughts. Awesome channel!!!!

[@DougRutherford1]

Well stated Kevin. I feel that you have taken hold of your direction in life and are learning life as you go. There are so many that sit on the sideline and lament that they are bored with life BUT will do nothing to propel themselves forward. I salute you on taking your steps forward into the unknown. Live, cherish and enjoy the journey, my friend.

[@DowneastThunderCreations]

Your philosophical treatise combined with incredible videography and just the right touch of music was pure joy to watch. Great job, Kevin! I have to imagine this took quite a bit of time and effort on your part to write and produce.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes indeed, pretty much spent the summer on this one, dozens of revisions. Thanks for stopping by.

[@alcooper944]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Very much appreciated too Kev

[@annafraley5388]

This was a Very Good and thoughtful talk, REALLY enjoyed it, Excelent Kevin..!!😎👍✅

[@richardwheeler103]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Perhaps as Bob Dylan said about writing Blood on the Tracks, that the song "took 10 years to live and 2 years to write". Thanks for all you do, Kevin. I'm one of your biggest fans, although you are just now hearing from me for the first time.

[@49otterhound]

Food for thought Kevin, thank you!

[@sailwanderingdolphin2769]

Wonderful... simply wonderful. Thank you Kevin.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Hope you all are well wherever you are these days!

[@Jin-pt4en]

Wow, really great video Kevin, looking forward to the next one. cheers!

[@mrc1539]

WOW ! That’s some pretty deep thoughts , it will take me awhile to consume it all .

[@Sailing_Bungaree]

I wasn’t going to watch this video. I haven’t been in a philosophical mood.... but I did, and I am pleased that I did. Thanks. I’m now going to look for the number 7 and weigh it.

[@kimjacobs2116]

Solitude has its pluses. I enjoy the musings of the great writers on stoicism. I’ve spent many nights at sea with them. I found as soon as I thought I understood what it all means, where we come from, I turn over another stone and am reminded of just how limited a view of existence I have. It is in our nature to find ultimate answers despite how little of the whole we have access to. But, in our arrogance we continually look up and tell the universe what can and cannot exist. What has value and what does not. What a life worth living is and is not. Sailing is challenging and simple at the same time. As are we.

[@josephmansfield2875]

Beautifully profound video both philosophically and photographically am so envious Kevin. May you long continue your journeying and trusting in your own destiny. I really enjoy taking sanctuary in sailing with you during these very restrictive Covid times.

[@laurenceholden]

Yep, every leaving of the dock is a gamble taken. The great difference is in the experience that unfolds between those that know it, and those who don’t.

[@seickhorn]

Once again, you leave me at a loss for adequate superlatives!! Thank You!!!

[@mattwatson7106]

Very enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your philosophy on life. Beautiful imagery and guitar playing too.

[@svwhippoorwill3599]

So nice to hear your thoughts on the deeper side of life. Good job Kevin.

[@tpower7382]

Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@waynemazan7485]

Well done... thank you

[@marcopolo242]

Really Love the philosophical musings. Keep them coming.

[@zackariasthepirate]

Very cool narration. I always enjoy when someone who has displayed a learned skill also displays another hidden skill. In your case that would be sailing and philosophy or at least ponderous thought.

[@ukpipeline]

Yes, I can agree with a lot of that. Good to know others wonder the reason why in our own decision making and choices,,,, and great films of your sailing, really enjoyable, impressive and thought provoking.

[@juanvalle219]

I believe I mentioned this to you before, but I will say it again. If you happen to be in my neck of the woods we have to have at least a couple of Guinnes. "For let me tell you, that the more the pleasures of the body fade away, the greater to me is the pleasure and charm of conversation" Cephalus to Socrates. Another thought for your vast knowledge.

[@jimthurgood5364]

Thank you, Kevin. For opening up and giving us an insight into how you view the World. I, myself, hark back to the greats such as Nicola Tesla, Albert Einstein and Rudolf Steiner who all say to really know yourself, you first have to understand your Spiritually and leave Science and materialism behind. Then, and only then, can you advance and grow into the next dimension of a higher being and not be shackled in this 3D hologram we call reality. Don’t get me wrong. We’re here to experience so live life to the full, while we can. Safe Sailing !!

[@terrysmall1421]

wow most enjoyable essay in a very long time....gonna have to listen again to take it all in

[@treasurecoastgypsy]

Moving essay ! Truly thought inspiring ! Thanks for sharing !

[@Gilespargiter]

Interesting to know what some of your thoughts are. A great deal of the reason that I watch your videos is because of the way that you go about things. Locating the number 7; don't think it is possible to precisely locate it yet. However we are begining to understand the way that our neurones lay down memories. One day we will no doubt be able to identify the exact bunch of chemicals that code the concept of 7 and then weigh and measure it.

[@dogshark9]

Large, valuable thoughts & well-articulated. Thanks!

[@bernardlash4169]

Hahaha wow, I'm laughing in your decesion. I too lost my job. Sold my schooner, actually lost it because I couldn't pay the bills associated with her. Your doing exactly what I wanted to do. Now I've money again but instead of sailing I bought a farm. But have purchased plans, to build my own schooner again😁 For sure to meet you on the high seas of life and sailing. One day my brother one day. Loved the essay.

[@gregsmith7142]

Well done. My church is the sea, the forest and sometimes a Harley on a lonely road.

[@SveinMBortne]

I agree with the two first but I gave up the Harley. Now it's a Yamaha. And the road don't even be lonely. :)

[@grahamsmith8122]

I thought the Ocean was deep. I'm with you brother

[@stephenmcelwee3129]

True inspiration, thanks for taking the time...

[@gr3398]

Kudos for seeking truth and meaning that transcends sailing. May you find it in all purity.

[@chontaelu]

Great essay Kevin! I think you are touching on a related point. Modern life extends Westerners and many others an array of conveniences heretofore unknown. Yet mental illness and depression are more widespread than ever in human history. The pursuit of material comfort is making us unhappy. A life that incorporates some discomfort, adversity and struggle will be more meaningful and satisfying, but that seems difficult and counter cultural to reach for. Sailing is one of the few pursuits that still allows us to enter the realm of discomfort, potential pain, and (calculated) risk, where the pleasure is often after the fact, the journey itself the destination. A voyage cannot be fully planned, pinned down or orchestrated. It evolves and unfolds in real time as the elements dictate. It could involve real fear and will push us physically and emotionally in ways we can't always prepare for. It is the road less travelled but it has many things that we know we are missing. Thank you again for your videos and fair winds. Losing your job at ML sounds like the best thing that ever happened to you :)

[@BuildingSYMistress]

REALLY great, intelligent and inspirational,.. right from the opening to the filming to the editing and music and to the sweet closing, thank you very much sir, for sharing very succinctly "some" of your wisdom, that takes decades of taking life seriously and really paying attention! A pleasure to listen to, watch and contemplate,...

[@Steve-ul8qb]

Beautiful thoughts Kevin and congratulations on 20,000 subscribers!!

[@michaelmitchell7047]

Great video! The allure of things that are in our grasp but we fear. Hats off to you captain ! You are living the dream that many of us crave.

[@Luke-zu4xg]

Love it!!

[@914va]

You are blessed.....thats for sure.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Kevin I really like your essays. I don't think people doing dangerous activities are truly seeking danger, unless they're actually suicidal. Rather they're seeking a state of "no mind". To get out of a state of constant thought, to find peace. The same motive drives other potentially destructive behavior like drunkenness, and drugs. It's also why other peak experiences are so fulfilling, like holding your newborn child, or a much loved other or even your beloved pet. In those moments we feel truly connected but are not thinking, letting our mind use us. It takes much practice to learn to quiet and control the mind. Focus on one's breathing helps. Body awareness helps. Connection with the natural world helps. On that last point, sailing is a way to become incredibly connected with the natural world, and to stay in present time, which creates much of the appeal. It also humbles the ego and feelings of self importance. Sailing can be a meditative Zen exercise for sure.

[@rogeranderson8763]

When work is play, for mortal stakes. -R. Frost. I've been lucky, my work path included some years as a Captain in a Bay Area fire department, a couple years running a ship docking tugboat and 27 years operating a hot air balloon scenic flight business in Oregon. In between all that, I built and sailed a Herreshoff H-55 three-mast schooner about 50,000 miles. -Veteran '66-68

[@svgitana2499]

Really enjoy your channel, pure sailing 👍🏻

[@kscharky8951]

Brilliant!! You are an inspiration to me! I could only wish to be as brave as you 👍

[@johnsingletary4342]

Thank you Kevin, I didn't know I needed that. Well said.

[@azul_5157]

Amen Brother!! I feel the best when stressed. {in a good way}

[@harper5892]

Some nice chords struck, musical and philosophical.

[@craigrelan2346]

Brilliant! ...and great video also. BZ mate.

[@natashamacdonald8957]

I love your channel and this was wonderful thank you 😊

[@noahpeffer4054]

This is really great, engaging content. thank you.

[@svtelos4726]

Now, I know how you fill all those many hours. Glad to know they were never empty unless you wanted them to be. Welcome Home. :) -blue skies, SV Telos

[@bmicker]

This was great..... says a lot about you

[@solosailorsv8065]

Ah, your Time at Sea has divested your Consciousness of the media-blitz of 'civilized life', and now you reconcile genuine Thought, with those of the land . . .

[@danajohnson3799]

It has been said that a sailor is safest and most at home at sea.

[@chris-yy6no]

Fair winds & Good luck..

[@Zbip57]

Beautiful.

[@jimr513666]

Well done. Thank you.

[@jasonward6062]

If our paths were to cross I would shake your hand, even a man hug matey, of course once covid has gone. Thank you for taking the time, such a blessing in my circumstances, awesome job.

[@mjproebstle]

great series, a joy to follow! great sailing! cheers!

[@captaindrew3061]

Nicely done you are becoming a very good story teller.

[@stephenhanger2521]

This is a Man that any other reasonable Man would find himself forced to admire and greatly respect.

[@ajax1137]

To Kevin's comment that technology is relieving us of many burdens: The belief that technology is relieving us of many burdens is not being borne out by my personal experience. It is merely exchanging physical burdens for mental, psychological and social burdens. I think I'd rather have the physical.

[@styx85]

The people of the past were not free of mental, psychological or social burdens either. It's not a given that a lessening of one leads to an increase in the other. On good days I'm hopeful that we can lessen the weight on both sides of the scale.

[@bomacca556]

Absolutely correct. I may add that technology does not add much value.

[@paulthew2]

@@bomacca556 Except when you need a tooth pulled.

[@paulthew2]

Tell that to the hunter gatherers who were given a steel axe. You can find their stone axe where they dropped it.

[@styx85]

Yeah... if bo wants to go back to a tool-less hunter gatherer existence with a 30 year life expectancy, be my guest. Personally I'm glad I've got a well-insulated house, the technology to summon fire at a whim and penicillin when I need it.

[@soggychips1129]

Thanks Kevin, I loved this. Look forward to any future essays you might put out.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks so much. Always working on another essay. I am a slow writer, though.

[@marshalllystra]

This is hands down the single most beautiful piece of art I've experienced in recent memory. I'm absolutely floored, and I'm humbled by your ability to express with such eloquence, a sentiment that I so closely connect with, yet I myself have never been able to put into words. Absolutely stunning. Thank you!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@peterparker5166]

Love your philosophy videos brother...”I refused an ordinary life” by Kevin Boothby is my favorite quote. Godspeed

[@cwmaxfield2000]

On point. Evolution is best described as adaptation and improvisation . Anything less is stagnation.

[@MiQBohlin]

Aye m8, Tears in the Rain is a really nice piece. I used it in an artful multi-image show back in 1993. Great interpretation!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks mate! Been on Satriani kick lately, what a musician.

[@felipebouzonnoexperienceon1160]

Legendary comeback

[@de_Marco]

soothing words and music

[@stephentuttle4275]

I am a complete and total atheist after enduring a horrible childhood my religion is nature. The ocean and forest are my happy places and where my ashes will be scattered. Great essay and everyone should be entitled to their own beliefs without judgment from others.

[@stephenfrankland1989]

Wow. Thank you for this. Thank you. "May. One must not cut oneself off from the world. No one who lives in the sunlight makes a failure of his life. My whole effort, whatever the situation, must be to make contact again but even within this sadness I feel a great leap of joy and a great desire to love simply at the sight of a hill against the evening sky. Contacts with truth, with nature first of all, and with my own art if I am capable of it. Otherwise, the sea, sunshine and delight, with the moist lips of desire, will simply lie there in front of me. Smiling despair. No solution, but constantly exercising an authority over myself that I know is useless. The essential thing is not to lose oneself, and not to lose that part of oneself that lies sleeping in the world." Albert Camus: Notebooks 1935 - 1951

[@sadretroy2352]

Outstanding Kevin, thank you mate👍👏⚓️

[@zenzen9131]

Fair winds Kevin :)

[@thesailingsurfer-adventure6225]

Your best episode yet. 🤙🏻

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Words well spoken. There are two personality types, Leaders and Followers. Followers lack the ability to lead and Leaders understand why.