if we hadn't retained the sloppy language of referring to driving a ship without sails as "sailing". London just seems sore at the crew of big ships for their arrogant presumption to call themselves "sailors". In his day they had to sail up both sides of every wave...

<parody>I was born so long ago that I grew up before the era of gasolene. As a result, I am old-fashioned. I prefer a horse to a motorcar, and it is my belief that horsemanship is a finer, more difficult, and sturdier art that running a motor. Gasolene engines are becoming fool proof, and while it is unfair to say that any fool can run an engine, it is fair to say that almost any one can. Not so, when it comes to riding a horse. More skill, more intelligence, and a vast deal more training are necessary. It is the finest training in the world for boy and youth and man. If the boy is very small, equip him with a small, comfortable pony. He will do the rest. He won't need to be taught. Shortly he will be sitting well and steering with his knees. Then he will begin to talk saddles and bits and want to take his shovel out and really shovel the horseshit.</parody>