The Pioneer’s Curse

Pedro writes: I have always found the stories of pioneers and adventurers uplifting and awe inspiring. Men who conquer the seas, climb the highest mountain peaks, or cross immense deserts and forests have always captivated my imagination. What is it that these men seek? Adrenaline? A sudden rush of blood to the head in the midst of danger? They might indeed seek these things, but I believe they seek a solitude and closeness with nature that can only be found in the uninhabited corners of the globe. Inevitably, these men uncover new possibilities for others, others who usually follow in their footsteps and “colonize” what they have discovered. Unfortunately, their discoveries often end up being their curse, since the places they unearthed are quickly inhabited by hordes of humans, eager to partake in the beauty and action these pioneers enjoyed. I think the story of Gerry Lopez serves as a blueprint for this phenomenon. His story illustrates the perils of discovery and subsequently, paradise lost.