Pirates are legendary. We all know pirates have eye patches and curvy swords. Occasionally, they have wooden legs. The older ones at least. Some have a talking parrot. Some are cursed. Most are really, really dumb. They salute the Jolly Roger, plunder coastal villages, hijack merchant ships, and make you walk the plank. Not the most well-behaved individuals.
The thing about pirates that unites them - that separates them from the landlubbers - is their love for what they do.
Think about this: what do pirates do with all of that booty? Are they ever in need of money? NO! They take what they need and burn the rest. Could they even spend it if they wanted to? Well, if gold doubloons are an accepted form of currency in your country, I suppose it's possible. But the authorities would be instantly notified and they'd be locked up. Do they invest it in their 401k? Only if there's a desert island nearby paying more than 3.5% interest.
Pirates never retire and stop being pirates. That wouldn't make sense to them. Meanwhile, the landlubbers are all safe in their villages, running the rat race, just trying to produce and thrive like good citizens. But the same authorities who would lock up the pirates in a heartbeat are constantly oppressing and taxing the snot out of the villagers. They'll never be able to stop working and enjoy life.
So, instead of going to work one day, a young, idealistic landlubber says, "To heck with this!" He dons a black cap, a vest, and a pair of baggy pants and sets sail to live out his dream.
The point is, pirates aren't really after the gold doubloons or the fancy trinkets or the pieces of eight. They're loving the work more than the finished product.
There, I said it. Now, go be a pirate.
