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Letter to Past Self
Dear Past Self,
While writing this letter, I am overwhelmed by the thought of the great journey that awaits you
during your sea year. I wish I could have told you all these values that form the essence of not
only your career but also your personality. Comparing what has happened to us and the
adventures of Wellingborough Redburn in Herman Melville’s Redburn, I want to offer you some
pieces of advice that could make your journey more pleasant and meaningful.
Accept Help Graciously
A significant thing that has changed is realising the need to accept assistance. Pride is one of the
most significant challenges, although people should remember that cooperation is more effective
in most cases. Despite his youthful arrogance, Redburn might have ignored his elder brother's
advice, but giving him the shooting jacket and the fowling-piece before joining the cruising
voyage shows benevolence worth accepting help from others. "Out of the goodness and
simplicity of his heart, thus spoke my elder brother to me, upon the eve of my departure for the
seaport" (Melville, 2009, p. 13). This small gesture was a lifeline, a reminder that we are on this
journey together.
Be Willing to Help Others
Another equally crucial aspect is the readiness to assist. The amount of time and effort you invest
in helping your shipmates return to you is multiplied many times. While you were on Stena
Impeccable, you realized the consequences of not getting advice from junior engineers, which
was the case when the ship's bilge holding tank flooded. If the Chief Engineer had been more
open to the advice of others and more willing to listen to suggestions, this disaster could have
been prevented. This can be seen when Redburn learns the aspect of maturity and responsibility
about Harry Bolton, "Redburn later in the book finds he has matured and learns how irritating it is
dealing with someone so irresponsible when dealing with Harry Bolton" (Melville).
Humility and Acknowledgment of Limitations
Some of the most important lessons ever learnt are that even experts make mistakes. This can
best be understood through the ignorance of the Chief Engineer, who ignored warnings regarding
the condition of the engine room, meaning that leaders are also limited in information. This
lesson can be applied to the story of Jackson, a sailor who had years of experience but died due
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to recklessness: "Jackson is an old seasoned sailor, but in a moment of chaos falls to the sea
proving that even those with experience cannot throw caution to the wind at sea" (Melville).
Experience is invariably fruitful but must be backed by humbleness and caution.
Value of Trustworthy Partnerships
While trying to find ways in the middle of multiple problems associated with maritime
operations, I have realised that there is no better asset than having good people. In the case of the
Korean fuel suppliers who tried to defraud the company by taking fifty tons of diesel, the need
for integrity in business transactions can't be overemphasized. On the other hand, business
relations with the Japanese were correct and genuine, thus emphasizing the need for credible
collaborations. Redburn changes as a character from being highly confident at the beginning to
realising that sailing is not all glamour when faced with the real deal: "Redburn is overconfident
in the beginning, but quickly learns sailing is much harder than he expected" (Melville).
Maturity and Responsibility
The sea trip is not only the movement on the water but the transformation of the character as
well. Just like your character development, Redburn's transformation from a prideful boy to a
wise seaman fit to handle reckless officers like Harry Bolton. You embarked with optimism and
maybe a measure of innocence like Redburn. Still, you were quickly disillusioned to ascertain
that the sea was not for the faint-hearted, and one had to transform into another person.
Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork
Finally, the role of leadership and team dynamics must be acknowledged. Jackson's fall also
symbolizes that leadership is more than just experience; it is constant watchfulness and
teamwork. This means that a leader who accepts their weaknesses and ensures everybody works
to get things done can avoid many crises.
Based on these lessons, here are some things I wish I could have taught you when you started
your treasure sail on tankers, container ships, and car carriers.
1. Always Accept Help: It can be humiliating to admit you need help. It is indeed a strength, not
a weakness. Recall the advice that Redburn's brother gave him and the good deed that he did.
2. Always Be Willing to Help: The help and company you offer will reciprocate in due course.
Redburn's relations with Bolton demonstrate the significance of being a responsible team player.
3. Learn from Every Experience: Just like the struggle between the Captain of the Enterprise and
the Chief Engineer is a learning process, so is every business transaction. It demonstrates that
even Jackson, with all his wealth and success, met his tragic end due to mistakes.
4. Cherish Trustworthy Partnerships: Honesty is as important as the integrity one bears. Trust is
the firm foundation of any business undertaking or transaction, as exemplified by your business
transactions with the Korean and Japanese suppliersfuel suppliers.
5. Stay Humble: Technical competency is crucial, but not at the cost of humility. Leaders should
be willing to admit their weaknesses as well as be able to learn from other people.
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6. Embrace Growth: This journey will be full of obstacles and hardships to make you push your
boundaries to the limit. It is something one must pass through, just as Redburn transitions from
being a boy to a seaman.
Your time at sea will be a crucible, forging you into a more robust, wiser individual. Embrace the
journey with an open heart and mind, and never forget the lessons learned.
Fair winds and following seas,
Your Future Self
Melville, H. (2009).Redburn His First Voyage. Being the Sailor-Boy Confessions and Reminiscences of
the Son-Of-A-Gentlem. BiblioBazaar, LLC.
