For the record:
AI Overview
Pirates during the "Golden Age" (roughly 1660–1725), particularly those who attacked slave ships and freed the enslaved, frequently referred to themselves as "Gentlemen of Fortune"
Pirates during the "Golden Age" (roughly 1660–1725), particularly those who attacked slave ships and freed the enslaved, frequently referred to themselves as "Gentlemen of Fortune"
When pirates called themselves "Gentlemen of Fortune," they were using the word in several specific ways:
Chance and Hazard: It meant they were men who "hazarded" or risked their lives on the whims of fate. It was an old-fashioned way of saying they lived by their wits and took big risks for big rewards.
Wealth and Prosperity: While it meant "luck," it also carried the modern meaning of great wealth. Pirates were "seeking their fortune"—literally hunting for enough gold and silver to never work again.
Euphemism for "Mercenary": The term is closely related to "soldier of fortune," meaning someone who fights for whoever pays them. For a pirate, it was a polite way to say they were "privateers" without a legal commission.
The "Wheel of Fortune": People of that era believed in a goddess named Fortuna who spun a wheel. One day you were on top (rich and powerful), and the next you could be at the bottom (destitute or dead). Pirates embraced this "all or nothing" lifestyle.
So, while a "Gentleman of Fortune" certainly had to be capable to survive, the name itself was about their willingness to gamble their lives for a chance at becoming rich.
Chance and Hazard: It meant they were men who "hazarded" or risked their lives on the whims of fate. It was an old-fashioned way of saying they lived by their wits and took big risks for big rewards.
Wealth and Prosperity: While it meant "luck," it also carried the modern meaning of great wealth. Pirates were "seeking their fortune"—literally hunting for enough gold and silver to never work again.
Euphemism for "Mercenary": The term is closely related to "soldier of fortune," meaning someone who fights for whoever pays them. For a pirate, it was a polite way to say they were "privateers" without a legal commission.
The "Wheel of Fortune": People of that era believed in a goddess named Fortuna who spun a wheel. One day you were on top (rich and powerful), and the next you could be at the bottom (destitute or dead). Pirates embraced this "all or nothing" lifestyle.
So, while a "Gentleman of Fortune" certainly had to be capable to survive, the name itself was about their willingness to gamble their lives for a chance at becoming rich.
So Fuck You.
I am IronClad The Goblin. I love fucking the system more than Sex.
The morality and philosophy of pirates during the Golden Age were rooted in radical egalitarianism and a rejection of the brutal hierarchies found in 18th-century life. While many saw slaves as a way to get rich, certain pirate crews functioned as "social bandits" who viewed the slave trade as an extension of the same systems of oppression they were fighting.
1. The Philosophy of "Social Banditry"
Many pirates, like Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy, saw themselves as champions of the poor. Their moral outlook was based on several key principles:
Revenge against Tyranny: Pirates often targeted slave ships not just for loot, but as an act of revenge against the merchant elites and "kings" who exploited common laborers and enslaved people alike.
The "Vanguard of Liberty": Pirates established "floating democracies" where every man had a vote—an idea that was dangerously radical in an age of absolute monarchs.
Meritocracy: On a pirate ship, your status was determined by your skill and courage, not your race or social origin
2. Freeing vs. Using Enslaved People
The pirate relationship with slavery was complex and often practical rather than purely humanitarian:
Recruitment Over Profit: Some captains, like Bellamy, were known to free slaves and invite them to join the crew as equals. Black crewmen often made up 25–30% of pirate crews, and on some ships, they were even the majority.
Tactical Sabotage: Pirates like Bartholomew Roberts severely disrupted the slave trade along the West African coast. By making slave transport too dangerous and costly, piracy actually slowed the growth of the slave trade during its peak years.
Economic Necessity: While some were ideological, others were opportunistic. They might keep skilled "mariners" or "warriors" from slave ships to bolster their crew but sell others if they needed funds or couldn't support more men.
The pirate relationship with slavery was complex and often practical rather than purely humanitarian:
Recruitment Over Profit: Some captains, like Bellamy, were known to free slaves and invite them to join the crew as equals. Black crewmen often made up 25–30% of pirate crews, and on some ships, they were even the majority.
Tactical Sabotage: Pirates like Bartholomew Roberts severely disrupted the slave trade along the West African coast. By making slave transport too dangerous and costly, piracy actually slowed the growth of the slave trade during its peak years.
Economic Necessity: While some were ideological, others were opportunistic. They might keep skilled "mariners" or "warriors" from slave ships to bolster their crew but sell others if they needed funds or couldn't support more men.
3. The Pirate Code and Equality
Under the Pirate Code (Articles of Agreement), black pirates often enjoyed rights that were unthinkable on land
Under the Pirate Code (Articles of Agreement), black pirates often enjoyed rights that were unthinkable on land
Equal Vote: All crew members, regardless of race, had an equal vote in selecting
captains or choosing targets.
Equal Pay: Booty was divided strictly by rank, never by race.
Right to Bear Arms: Unlike in the colonies, black pirates were allowed and expected to
Equal Pay: Booty was divided strictly by rank, never by race.
Right to Bear Arms: Unlike in the colonies, black pirates were allowed and expected to
carry weapons.
Summary of Morality
System Mainland Morality (Governments) Pirate Morality (Outlaws)
Hierarchy Strict class and racial structures. Democracy; merit-based leadership.
Labor Forced labor (slavery) and low wages. Shared profit and "a merry life".
Slavery A legal economic pillar. A target for plunder or a source of recruits.
System Mainland Morality (Governments) Pirate Morality (Outlaws)
Hierarchy Strict class and racial structures. Democracy; merit-based leadership.
Labor Forced labor (slavery) and low wages. Shared profit and "a merry life".
Slavery A legal economic pillar. A target for plunder or a source of recruits.
Would you like to see the specific articles from a pirate code that guaranteed these equal rights?
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
#neversurrender #deathbeforedishonour
