Space is known as “The final frontier,” but scientists have barely scratched the surface of the bottom of Earth’s oceans, which make up 71% of our planet. One of the early pioneers of the deep seas was Robert D. Ballard, most famous for discovering the wreck of the Titanic, but who has done so much for the understanding of our oceans. In his new memoir, Into the Deep, published by National Geographic, readers get to be a fly on the wall for some of his most exciting expeditions while also getting to know the explorer very well.
(National Geographic)
Drawing inspiration from Disney’s 1954 motion picture 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Bob Ballard gives credit to Jules Verne’s creation for his interest in inner space. That memorable story is celebrated numerous times throughout the memoir, including the title of the first chapter, “Finding Nemo,” and the naming of his own research vessel, Nautilus.
In some ways, Into the Deep reads like a greatest hits album of scientific achievements, from confirming the existence of plate tectonics to finding life in the no-light depths of the ocean that rewrote the scientific requirements for life to exist. But this book of discoveries is also a book of self discovery, with Ballard imparting the wisdom he’s acquired over a life worth living, and also revealing what he learned about himself on each adventure. Readers will likely turn to this memoir for its exciting breakthroughs, but will likely walk away from it reexamining their own sense of self.
For all of the amazing journeys in Into the Deep, the book also leaves you feeling like there’s so much left to explore. While Ballard’s name is forever tied to finding Titanic, the book makes it pretty clear that his biggest contribution to the world is blazing a trail for deep sea discoveries and inspiring a new generation of explorers who will complete his important work. In the same way that Ballard pays it forward to the readers by sharing his own life experience, readers will find themselves inspired to help make sure scientists have the tools and funding needed to keep the work going long into the future.
Into the Deep offers new discoveries for readers with every turn of the page. It’s astounding how much Robert Ballard has accomplished and to know that he’s still going is inspiring. If you’re looking for an autobiography that’s as motivational as it is exciting, look no further.
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