[Essay in My Heart]

Sea of Cortez

John Steinbeck, a prominent American novelist who wrote many novels, departed from Monterey, California, on a boat to collect marine life and seaweed along the way as he sailed south along the Pacific Ocean, eventually exploring the Gulf of California on the western coast of Mexico. He documented his experiences with fellow expedition members, including Edward F. Ricketts. Steinbeck also included photographs related to the expedition, as well as a substantial appendix containing relevant documents and materials.

Sea of Cortez was first published in 1941 by The Viking Press in the United States.

The Gulf of California, known in Spanish as Golfo de California or as the Sea of Cortés (Mar de Cortés), is a long body of water located between mainland Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula.

From March 11 to April 20, 1940, Steinbeck and his expedition spent about six weeks conducting marine life collection activities in Mexico, passing through the California coast. He detailed various events and also described his observations about Mexican culture, customs, religion, politics, and the people.

Through detailed observations of various species, Steinbeck explained their habits, characteristics, and how they coexist with other marine life. Initially, I found this book to be quite different from conventional novels in terms of structure and style, making it somewhat challenging to read. However, I became curious about the subtitle of the book ‘A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research,’ which suggests a harmony between research and relaxation, showing how it can be achieved. This sparked my interest in reading the book.

While I usually read books for entertainment, reading books in different formats can also provide us with valuable knowledge. It broadens our perspective and can open our eyes to indirect knowledge acquisition and new fields of interest. Thus, I don't think reading such books is a bad idea.

In fact, the book addresses the seriousness of environmental pollution related to the pressing issue of global warming, which is a major concern today. The author raises concerns about various types of waste floating in the sea and emphasizes the need for humanity to make more proactive efforts to save the Earth.

Reading the content of this expedition and comparing it to the current situation, I believe it can help us gauge the extent of coastal degradation since then. The key question is how much more actively humanity should act to save the Earth. Given how the Earth is constantly being polluted due to human greed, it is essential to conduct ongoing research and take action to maintain a healthy life, both for us and the beautiful ocean, often referred to as the Earth's mother, along with its many marine inhabitants.

Solving these issues may take time and involve various difficulties, but not giving up and making gradual, positive changes in the direction of the Earth's future is essential. 

October 2, 2013

Solti

한국어 번역: https://www.ktown1st.com/blog/VALover/343417