I have three copies of Robinson Crusoe. Wilkie Collins, the author of  the “The Moonstone,” wrote that whenever he felt down, he brought out his worn-torn copy of  “Robinson Crusoe.” You may think this is an odd book to read when you’re feeling down. Daniel Defoe published “Robinson Crusoe” in 1719.  All of my kids have read it as part of our homeschool, which necessitated that I read it too.
The first chapter is “A Warning:” Young 18-year-old Robinson Crusoe admits that his dad had warned him not to run off to sea, explaining that “it was for men of desperate fortunes on the one hand or aspiring superior fortunes on the other.” The father goes to great lengths, explaining to his son that pursuing a course in the middle station of life will bring him the most joy and happiness.

“…which was the best state in the world, the most suited to human happiness, not exposed to the miseries and hardships, the labor and sufferings of the mechanic part of mankind and not embarrassed with the pride, luxury, ambition, and envy of the upper part of mankind.”

“that the calamities of life were shared among the upper and lower part of mankind; but that the middle station had the fewest disasters, and was not exposed to so many vicissitudes as the higher or lower part of mankind…”

The father’s advice goes against the common saying  — “you can be anything you want to be if you just put your mind to it” and “follow your dreams.” Society often encourages us to pursue those lofty goals to accumulate wealth and the accolades of the world.

When it comes to a profession, I don’t think you can be anything you want to be. I’m not sure that’s the best counsel. You can shoot baskets all day, and never make it to the pros. Something about “you can’t put in what God left out” (Chariots of Fire.) I think it’s best to look at your natural talents, develop them and then choose a place to use them for good. And then be somewhat flexible. Sometimes doors will open where you least expected.

I have advised my kids to do that. But life is not easy, even when you choose a middle ground. And what professions are the middle ground today? With the Internet, you tend to compare yourself to others. Our parents did not have to deal with this kind of social media. I think it presents a fake life.

Also, the shipwrecks of life teach us valuable lessons — you can’t always avoid them. Of course, if you can dodge some of them, so much the better. I guess that’s the point — if you accept sound advice, you may be able to navigate the rough seas of life and some of the shipwrecks. After all, there’s no need to head into a storm, after having been warned. But when you find yourself in a storm, remember, life is messy.