Why

Kristian Isringhaus

052711/2002 GMT, 1502 EST

Central Park, NYC, USA

At this point, sailing around the world seems to be the only logical thing to do.

I am now 33 years old and my mind is still troubled by the same questions that troubled me when I was a little kid. Even worse, the questions seem to become more pressing as I grow older and start to wonder why I can’t find the answers I seek.

Can I claim I know my kind because I am one of them? One of seven billion! How did I ever even hope to understand mankind, seeing how little of it I have experienced?

The fact is that I do not understand us. Why do we so happily destroy the world we live in? Why do we so happily destroy each other? Do basic instincts still overcome our ever so superior intelligence? We do need to compete to survive. Though far from living in a natural environment, competition is within our nature. But shouldn’t all this competing be commenced with a tiny tad of sense by now?

Else I wonder what arrogance allows us to call ourselves the pride of creation?

Is it infantile to ask why we are here? Is it outdated in times of microbiology advancing on to deciphering our genetic code to ask why we are the way we are? The answer is no. Scientists these days find more and more details about our behavior and our origins. They identify little areas of our brains that are responsible for us doing this, little experiences in our stone age past that are responsible for us doing that. More and more, though, do I get the feeling that by finding all those little details and pieces we forget to look at the big picture. We do, to use a worn expression, fail to see the forest for all the trees.

I want to see the big picture, though. I want to know mankind.

In order to understand my kind I need to meet its members. As many of them as possible. I need to see their cultures. As many of them as possible. I need to hear their wishes and worries. Their beliefs and doubts. Find their idiosyncrasies and similarities. Sailing around the world seems to be the only logical thing to do. I shall learn.

I do admit that the beautiful landscapes I hope to encounter along the way, the pristine beaches and colorful coral reefs, the valleys of abundant vegetation and vast deserts, the pretty, ugly, small, big, cuddly, and scary animals all over, might distract me from my research about my kind here and there. Even then, though, I will still learn what books can’t teach me and that is a happy thought.

I will not say ‘no’ to an opportunity to snorkel and I will not say ‘no’ to a hike through the jungle even if it takes me away from all humans for weeks. I will enjoy the beauty of this world before it is too late for that. Please do not be misled by the ambitious goals described above.

This first blog entry, however, is meant to explain why I am sailing around the world. Seeking some understanding of mankind is the one and only original reason.

Now let me give a word of advice to those of you who share my goals: little gear is required to learn about one’s kind. It can certainly vary according to individual preferences but here is what I packed for my research.

-          Tent (1 unit)

-          First aid kit (1 unit)

-          Clothes (about 5 pounds, would have packed more if there were more room)

-          Camping pots and dishes (4 units)

-          Water purification device, iodine based (1 unit, good for about 2000 liters)

-          Books (120 units in digital form, 10 units in paper form)

-          Sunscreen (2 liters, 2.1 quarts)

-          Bug spray (3 liters/3.2 quarts)

-          Girlfriend (1 unit)

-          Sleeping bag (1 unit each)

-          Sleeping pad (1 unit each)

-          Compass (1 unit)

-          Computer (1 unit)

-          Camera (1 unit)

-          Cigarettes for trading (200 units)

-          Fishing line (1900 yards)

-          Fishing hooks (90 units)

-          Knife (1 unit each)

-          Marlin spike (1 unit each)

-          Towel (1 unit to share)

-          Passport (1 individualized unit each)

-          Snorkel mask (1 unit each)

 A boat is not required. At least it is not required to own a boat. All one needs to do is find boat owners that are willing to offer passage in trade for labor. One can do so on the internet or on docks—neither way is less valid than the other.

The items listed above are all one needs to commence research on their own kind. Except, of course, for the things I forgot to mention. And the things I forgot to think about.