No locusts in Africa where I went to find them!

The pursuit of science often begins with an unexpected absence, as illustrated by a researcher's journey to Mauritania to study desert locusts, only to find them conspicuously missing. This sets the stage for a reflection on the often-unseen realities of scientific exploration, which are far removed from triumphant tales of discovery.

Author Maeno Uld Gotaro's "To Africa to Catch Locusts" is presented as a narrative that embraces this 난감한 상황 (difficult situation). Unlike stories that focus solely on successful findings, this account delves into the less glamorous, yet crucial, periods of waiting, wandering, and questioning that precede discovery. The article posits that true exploration involves transforming the unseen into questions, rather than merely picking up what is immediately visible.

The piece contrasts this with romanticized views of scientists as heroic figures in adventure gear. Instead, it portrays them as individuals who meticulously document their findings even when plans go awry. The history of scientific exploration, from Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle to Alexander von Humboldt's holistic view of nature, is revisited. These historical accounts reveal that groundbreaking theories often emerged after extensive fieldwork and observation, with ideas following experience.

Furthermore, the article touches upon the darker aspects of exploration, where the collection of specimens and naming of species sometimes intertwined with imperial ambitions. It questions the narrative of "discovery" and acknowledges the knowledge of indigenous populations. Modern exploration, it suggests, must proceed with greater caution and respect. Ultimately, the article concludes that understanding nature is not about possession but about recognizing our own ignorance and meticulously recording it, a process that continues even with advanced technologies like satellite imagery and genetic analysis.