My name is Robinson Crusoe, and I was born in the city of York in 1632. My father was a successful businessman. I had two elder brothers. One of them worked in the army(军队) and was killed during the war against Spain. The other was missing one day, and we never knew what had happened to him. My father gave me a good education and wanted me to be a lawyer(律师). 

However, I wanted to be a sailor(海员) and go to sea. My father was very angry with me. He didn't understand why I wanted to leave his house, where I would have an easy and comfortable life.

"Two kinds of people go to sea, " he said. "They are the very poor people and the very rich people. The poor are foolish, having no other ways to live. The rich own ships and can make money with them. You are neither too poor nor too rich, so you should stay at home with your mother and me. Your elder brother didn't listen to me, and now he is dead. If you do not listen to me, you will have a difficult life!"

I tried to do what he wanted me to do, but I couldn't. I spoke to my mother.

"Please ask Dad if he will let me have one voyage(航行) by sea, " I asked her. "When I return, I will live the life he wants me to live. "

Mum was angry. "Your father will not let you go. I don't want you to go to sea either. It's dangerous. "

I argued(争吵) with my parents for another year. Then, I went to Hull with a friend who was going to London by ship. He invited me to go with him, and I agreed. I didn't even tell my parents before leaving. I just went. That was how all my bad luck began.

—Adapted from Robinson Crusoe