[One Thousand Characters a Day] Our Future Learned from Pandas <3>

Editor's NoteProfessor Kwak Jae-sik, author of ＜Panda Spirit＞, is known as an environmental engineering PhD and a science writer who excellently connects imagination that transcends time and space with vast scientific knowledge. He introduces this book as similar to one that deals with thoughts that arise while walking along scenic mountain trails or strolling through beautiful parks. Just as we do not only think about the granite rocks of mountain peaks being formed in the Mesozoic era while walking mountain paths, nor do we ponder whether the grass blooming by the roadside in a park is a dicot or monocot, he hopes that the stories starting from observations of nature naturally connect various emotions and spread into a cozy piece of writing. He says, "I would be truly happy if readers feel as if they have accidentally met a panda while crossing a mountain trail or feel like they are walking through a park with a panda while reading this book." Character count 1023 characters.

Pandas do not have the habit of moving around in herds. Pandas are solitary animals. They do not feel lonely just because there are no other pandas nearby, nor do they suffer from being excluded from a group. And that’s perfectly fine. Since it does not affect their eating or living, and no one greatly disturbs their life, there is no need to necessarily gather in pairs or groups of three. They do not feel down because they have no friends to comfort them, nor do they envy other pandas surrounded by more companions or appearing popular.

They wander through the forest, listen to the sound of wind in the bamboo groves, and when feeling a bit restless, climb up a tree to look into the distance. When they get hungry again, they simply chew on bamboo. They do not shed tears because of difficult relationships with anyone. They do not fret over comparisons within a group, such as someone reaching a higher position while they have not. In fact, pandas seem not to build long-term homes. While pandas have favorite trees and sometimes enter holes between rocks, they do not have the habit of hibernating or staying long inside.

When reading biological research papers, one often feels the need to be cautious about thinking of animal lives too much like human lives. This is because it is easy for prejudices to intervene, judging animal habits or behaviors based on human moral standards or the values of the society to which the person belongs.

(Omitted)

Seen this way, the panda spirit is an attitude toward life that can live well alone as long as it can wander while eating bamboo. It does not strive to fight and win against someone, nor does it struggle to dominate others. It does not lose energy or feel lonely in a corner just because it is alone. It climbs trees, bends bamboo here and there, and continuously observes, feels, and interacts with the world by itself.

People see such pandas as relaxed, peaceful, and curious animals. Although they move slowly, their active attitude toward enjoying life makes observers feel good.

－Kwak Jae-sik, ＜Panda Spirit＞, Saenggakjeongwon, 18,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.