Simple, but Powerful Life Lessons from Captain Jack Sparrow (Yes, the Pirate!)

I never, ever thought I’d find myself writing a post about life lessons from Captain Jack Sparrow. And I will admit going into this, it’s taken a very long time to warm up to the guy, charming as he may be.

Although existing only fictionally, I’ll give him this, however… he’s got a way with words like no other.

And that’s after how many drunken, yet wildly poetic monologues throughout the Pirates movie series?

Yet every once in a while, hiding among the banter is a real gem of a life lesson. I’ve taken some poetic liberties in assembling a string of some his more notable quotes from the movies to illustrate what I’m talking about.

Now, would you take serious advice from Captain Jack Sparrow?

I’m not sure I would recommend it, but I admit… I did.

You may want to consider it for yourself. The first thing he might do is set you straight from the start. Not pulling any punches in pure CJS style, you may expect to hear…

The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”

– Captain Jack Sparrow

Did you get that? We want to be clear. We’re starting out with some good ol’ attitude adjustment. 

“Why is the rum always gone?” – CJS

Captain… I think that was due to the attitude adjustment. Just observing.

“Did everyone see that? Because I will not be doing it again. [Sharing my rum, that is.]” – CJS

Okay Jack, how would we go about that now that we’ve fixed my attitude and all… how do we solve this problem of mine?

“Close your eyes and pretend it’s all a bad dream. That’s how I get by.” – CJS

Seriously Jack, that’s all you got?

“I can let you drown…” – CJS

That’s completely unnecessary. I’m only asking for a little help here…

“Okay, okay…” – CJS

After thoughtful questioning, I learned from the Captain that pirates live by a code. Did you know that? I sort of suspected there was such a thing. But the good Captain (taking liberties here) explained it to me…

“The code is more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules.” – CJS

Of course, it’s also entirely true the good Captain makes no sense at all a good part of the time. But still, he’s hands down one of the best wise-asses I’ve ever known, fictional or otherwise.

Remember, “It’s not so much the destination as it is the journey.” – CJS

I had no idea Jack Sparrow was the one who came up with that whole destination/journey thing.

Who knew?

“[Hey,] not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.” – CJS

So, how’d that go for you? You feel much better now, don’t you? 

By the way, CJS clarified one more jewel of wisdom… “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.” It’s all I got this time.

As for me, I stole my reply right from his mouth… “I love those moments. I love to wave at them as they pass by.”

My advice after meeting CJS and learning a few of his life lessons? 

All in all, it’s better to just be untucked.

Let me know what you think. I hope you like what you see and maybe come along for a sail… It’ll be fun!

Copyright © 2019 Jeff Meister

Other posts you may enjoy…

Why the best gift you can give yourself is embracing your uniqueness

Of all the finer things in life, what are the finest and how do you find them?