John Paul Jones

It is to the last degree distressing to contemplate the state and establishment of our navy... unless the private emolument of individuals in our navy is made superior to that in privateers, it never can become respectable; it never will become formidable. And without a respectable navy - alas, America!

American Soldier

The common class of mankind are actuated by no nobler principle than that of self-interest; this and this alone determines all adventurers in privateers: the owners, as well as those whom they employ.

William Whipple

I think experience has shown that privateers have done more toward distressing the trade of our enemies, and furnishing these States with necessaries, than Continental Ships of the same force.

American Politician

Leigh Bardugo

Sturmhond, a privateer from the second book in the series, Siege and Storm,' is probably my favorite character. He's pure confidence and that's always fun to write.

Israeli Author

Ron Williams

As a CEO, I had significant exposure to private equity, enough that I had in no way bought into the media's caricature: rapacious privateers who destroy companies.

American Businessman

Mary H.K. Choi

Privateers, military contractors - these aren't pirates. They have bosses. Real pirates are sellswords on missions of their own making.

South Korean Author

Privateers played a role in naval history and were not considered outright pirates due to government backing.

Historical Context

Don't confuse privateers with modern piracy; privateers were a legal wartime phenomenon.

Not Modern Pirates

Understand the difference: privateers were legal under their sponsor nation's laws, pirates were not.

Legal Distinction

A privateer ship was officially licensed by the government and had specific missions during conflicts.

Government Commission

Privateer ships were outfitted for battle, not just transport or trade.

Armed for Combat

In business, a privateer might use aggressive strategies, pushing legal boundaries to succeed.

Business Strategy

Unlike pirates with criminal stigma, privateers in business may be respected for their driven nature.

Reputation Matters

 So they commissioned Guangzhou’s pirates to raid the coast and join the fight against their enemies. Serving their Vietnamese patrons turned the Zhengs and other pirates from ragtag gangs aboard single vessels into professional privateer fleets

The most successful...

 travel into space you need the backing of a government and a rich government of that but it's all starting to change the 21st century is heralding the arrival of The Rocketeer privateer on the 21st of