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The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus: Exploring and Conserving Our Natural World
Part adventure story, part manifesto, the legendary ocean explorer's passionate plea for sustaining life on earth.
Explorer, diving pioneer, filmmaker, inventor, and activist, Jacques Cousteau was blessed from his childhood with boundless curiosity about the natural world. As the leader of fascinating, often dangerous expeditions all over the planet, he discovered firsthand the complexity and beauty of life on earth and undersea--and watched the toll taken by human activity in the twentieth century.
Explorer, diving pioneer, filmmaker, inventor, and activist, Jacques Cousteau was blessed from his childhood with boundless curiosity about the natural world. As the leader of fascinating, often dangerous expeditions all over the planet, he discovered firsthand the complexity and beauty of life on earth and undersea--and watched the toll taken by human activity in the twentieth century.
In this magnificent last book, finally available for the first time in the United States, Cousteau describes his deeply informed philosophy about protecting our world for future generations. Weaving gripping stories of his adventures throughout, he and coauthor Susan Schiefelbein address the risks we take with human health, the overfishing and sacking of the world's oceans, the hazards of nuclear proliferation, and the environmental responsibility of scientists, politicians, and people of faith. Cousteau's lyrical, passionate call for action to protect our earth and seas and their myriad life forms is even more relevant today than when this book was completed in 1996. Written over the last ten years of his life with frequent collaborator Schiefelbein, who also introduces the text and provides an update on environmental developments in the decade since Cousteau's death, this prescient, clear-sighted book is a remarkable testament to the life and work of one of our greatest modern adventurers.
320 pages, hardback
First published March 1, 1998
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October 26, 2024
"Hey Jacques!"
Last book, posthumous, of the great Cousteau, legendary marine explorer, ecologist, scientist and activist for the protection of the oceans and all its living creatures. This book contains a description of his life, the adventures of its famed ship Calypso, and a detailed explanation of his admirable philosophy; going through various subjects such as: the risks of marine exploration, sea plunder and devastation of marine fauna, nuclear contamination, the links with religion, philosophy, politics, statistics and science methodology when dealing with oceanography; the future of the Earth, and the beautiful miracle of life, amongst many other things.
This book is a passionate cry for conscience about the terrible and massive destruction carried by humankind over the oceans. A desperate request to protect the Earth, the seas, and all its beautiful forms of life; to create hope, for future generations. A call to take action, before it’s too late.
I specially loved the last two chapters, “Life in a Billion Years” and “The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus”.
Still remaining, his most famous book: “The Silent World” (1953), and the documentary that followed (1956).
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2007] [305p] [Non-Fiction] [Almost Recommendable] [Save the Oceans] [Heal the World]
-----------------------------------------------
"Hey Jacques!"
Ultimo libro, póstumo, del gran Jacques Cousteau, legendario explorador marino, ecologista, científico y activista para la protección de los océanos y todas sus criaturas marinas. Este libro contiene una descripción de su vida, las aventuras en su famosa nave Calypso, y una detallada explicación sobre su admirable filosofía; tocando temas tan variados como: los riesgos de la exploración marítima, el saqueo y devastación de la fauna marina, la contaminación nuclear, la vinculación con la religión, la filosofía, política, estadística y metodologías científicas relacionadas a la oceanografía; el futuro de la Tierra y el hermoso milagro de la vida, entre otras muchas cosas.
Este libro es un apasionado llamado a la conciencia sobre la terrible y masiva destrucción realizada por la humanidad en los océanos. Un desesperado pedido para proteger la Tierra, los mares, y todas sus hermosas formas de vida; para crear esperanza, para generaciones futuras. Un llamado a tomar acción, antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Amé especialmente los dos últimos capítulos “La vida en un billón de años” y “Los humanos, las orquídeas y los pulpos”.
Todavía pendiente, su libro más famoso: “El mundo del silencio” (1953), y el documental que le siguió (1956).
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2007] [305p] [No-Ficción] [Casi Recomendable] [Salven los Océanos] [Curen el Mundo]
-----------------------------------------------
Last book, posthumous, of the great Cousteau, legendary marine explorer, ecologist, scientist and activist for the protection of the oceans and all its living creatures. This book contains a description of his life, the adventures of its famed ship Calypso, and a detailed explanation of his admirable philosophy; going through various subjects such as: the risks of marine exploration, sea plunder and devastation of marine fauna, nuclear contamination, the links with religion, philosophy, politics, statistics and science methodology when dealing with oceanography; the future of the Earth, and the beautiful miracle of life, amongst many other things.
This book is a passionate cry for conscience about the terrible and massive destruction carried by humankind over the oceans. A desperate request to protect the Earth, the seas, and all its beautiful forms of life; to create hope, for future generations. A call to take action, before it’s too late.
I specially loved the last two chapters, “Life in a Billion Years” and “The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus”.
Still remaining, his most famous book: “The Silent World” (1953), and the documentary that followed (1956).
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2007] [305p] [Non-Fiction] [Almost Recommendable] [Save the Oceans] [Heal the World]
-----------------------------------------------
"Hey Jacques!"
Ultimo libro, póstumo, del gran Jacques Cousteau, legendario explorador marino, ecologista, científico y activista para la protección de los océanos y todas sus criaturas marinas. Este libro contiene una descripción de su vida, las aventuras en su famosa nave Calypso, y una detallada explicación sobre su admirable filosofía; tocando temas tan variados como: los riesgos de la exploración marítima, el saqueo y devastación de la fauna marina, la contaminación nuclear, la vinculación con la religión, la filosofía, política, estadística y metodologías científicas relacionadas a la oceanografía; el futuro de la Tierra y el hermoso milagro de la vida, entre otras muchas cosas.
Este libro es un apasionado llamado a la conciencia sobre la terrible y masiva destrucción realizada por la humanidad en los océanos. Un desesperado pedido para proteger la Tierra, los mares, y todas sus hermosas formas de vida; para crear esperanza, para generaciones futuras. Un llamado a tomar acción, antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Amé especialmente los dos últimos capítulos “La vida en un billón de años” y “Los humanos, las orquídeas y los pulpos”.
Todavía pendiente, su libro más famoso: “El mundo del silencio” (1953), y el documental que le siguió (1956).
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2007] [305p] [No-Ficción] [Casi Recomendable] [Salven los Océanos] [Curen el Mundo]
-----------------------------------------------
April 16, 2023
“Often in airports, on sidewalks, in restaurants, children and adults alike stop me to ask about barracuda and sharks, killer whales, the deadly sorcery of the Bermuda Triangle, the Loch Ness Monster… I believe that the seas most monstrous force doesn’t live in Loch Ness. It lives in us.” -Jacques-Yves Cousteau
This is so reminiscent of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Where Carson foretold of empty skies, Cousteau warns us about the looming specter of empty oceans. While I’m encouraged by the positive impact Silent Spring has had, I fear that The Human, the Orchid, and the Octopus has largely fallen on deaf ears. Our point of no return seems to have come and gone. We could still potentially postpone the coming catastrophe, but it feels as though we can no longer prevent it.
Being an American who came of age in the 60s and 70s, I am intimately familiar with the television series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. My Mom, knowing my enthusiasm for the subject matter, bought me every Cousteau book she could find. I had Dolphins and The Whale: Mighty Monarch of the Sea and Life and Death in a Coral Sea. Thanks to Jacques I became a kid who would astonish friends and neighbors with his knowledge of the oceans and his mastery of rudimentary marine biology, all while residing over five hundred miles from the nearest seashore. Jacques was my hero. He still is. That’s why reading this, written just before he died and published posthumously, was so hard for me. He saw firsthand the decline of the oceans and his optimism at the end was all but gone. This is Cousteau’s heart breaking, set in prose.
“..a man may live long, yet live very little.” -Michel de Montaigne
This is so reminiscent of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Where Carson foretold of empty skies, Cousteau warns us about the looming specter of empty oceans. While I’m encouraged by the positive impact Silent Spring has had, I fear that The Human, the Orchid, and the Octopus has largely fallen on deaf ears. Our point of no return seems to have come and gone. We could still potentially postpone the coming catastrophe, but it feels as though we can no longer prevent it.
Being an American who came of age in the 60s and 70s, I am intimately familiar with the television series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. My Mom, knowing my enthusiasm for the subject matter, bought me every Cousteau book she could find. I had Dolphins and The Whale: Mighty Monarch of the Sea and Life and Death in a Coral Sea. Thanks to Jacques I became a kid who would astonish friends and neighbors with his knowledge of the oceans and his mastery of rudimentary marine biology, all while residing over five hundred miles from the nearest seashore. Jacques was my hero. He still is. That’s why reading this, written just before he died and published posthumously, was so hard for me. He saw firsthand the decline of the oceans and his optimism at the end was all but gone. This is Cousteau’s heart breaking, set in prose.
“..a man may live long, yet live very little.” -Michel de Montaigne
May 18, 2013
The book start out promisingly, like a memoir, with tales from Cousteau's fascinating life. Most of the tales are about his close brushes with death. Then the book changes course, and goes into the predations of humans on our environment. Very preachy. No positive approaches to saving the environment. A long rant against nuclear energy, but no mention of what should replace it. Toward the end of the book is a segue into philosophy. I expected better.
June 4, 2011
I came across this book on the bargain shelf and picked it up because I have fond memories of watching The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau as a child and thought it would be interesting to read more about him. Though not the autobiography I was expecting, I found the book fascinating. It is part history, part nature conservancy, part political – it is at times prophetic (fifteen years ago Cousteau projected a catastrophic nuclear event due to plants in Japan being built on fault lines) and at times terrifying (his description of the destruction of sea life he has witnessed over the years not to mention the evidence he provides regarding radioactive waste and nuclear stockpiling). But through it all, there is a vein of hope, of respect, and most certainly a pleading to the rest of us to take up where he left off to protect our natural world.
One of my favorite quotes from the book came toward the end - "For most of his existence, Homo Sapiens had to struggle against nature to survive. A creature with almost no defensive or offensive weapons, the human had access to little more power than he could cajole from a mule. Suddenly, stumbling upon the secret of fossil fuel, he found himself the unexpected ruler of the planet. He has not yet mastered his supremacy. He does not understand that his survival now depends not on the conquest of nature, but on the protection of nature. Man has ascended to his level of incompetence.”
I have already recommended reading The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus to several family members and friends, and will continue to do so – thoughtfully written, with fascinating stories and statistics, it is an excellent book and I can only hope there are more Jacques Cousteau’s in the world to save us from ourselves.
One of my favorite quotes from the book came toward the end - "For most of his existence, Homo Sapiens had to struggle against nature to survive. A creature with almost no defensive or offensive weapons, the human had access to little more power than he could cajole from a mule. Suddenly, stumbling upon the secret of fossil fuel, he found himself the unexpected ruler of the planet. He has not yet mastered his supremacy. He does not understand that his survival now depends not on the conquest of nature, but on the protection of nature. Man has ascended to his level of incompetence.”
I have already recommended reading The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus to several family members and friends, and will continue to do so – thoughtfully written, with fascinating stories and statistics, it is an excellent book and I can only hope there are more Jacques Cousteau’s in the world to save us from ourselves.
September 17, 2021
Beautiful book but extremely hard to read.
It was written more than 20 years ago but even then Jacques Yves had witnessed climate change.
Sure, when we daily commit to our 9-5 work by train, there's a chance we won't notice global warming or species extinction. But this book is one of these painful testimonies of humanity's crimes against nature, written by bystander (just like the latest David Attenborough documentaries).
Cousteau was an incredible person. He didn't look for someone to blame, he just thoroughly documented the everyday struggle of the poor people who had to exploit nature just to have food and shelter, and the ignorance of huge corporations and governments.
It was written more than 20 years ago but even then Jacques Yves had witnessed climate change.
Sure, when we daily commit to our 9-5 work by train, there's a chance we won't notice global warming or species extinction. But this book is one of these painful testimonies of humanity's crimes against nature, written by bystander (just like the latest David Attenborough documentaries).
Cousteau was an incredible person. He didn't look for someone to blame, he just thoroughly documented the everyday struggle of the poor people who had to exploit nature just to have food and shelter, and the ignorance of huge corporations and governments.
September 10, 2018
Instead of "Diver Down" this is Diver Up! This was a marvelous audio book to listen to at summers end. Not just a visit to my past, recalling sitting on the living room floor watching the wonderful TV documentaries that used to run in prime time on network TV in America! (Imagine that today!),
the marvelous, "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.". Cousteau won many awards in his lifetime, but I still feel that he way highly underrated when I walk away from listening to his book. The man was a genius, a visionary. This book was written shortly before his death in 1997. We have had 21 years since his death to consider the clear warnings that he gave us concerning our environment and the worsening conditions of the seas. What have we seen develop? Have we listened?
He develops chapters that read like white papers on the nuclear power industry, nuclear arms proliferation, undersea drilling, the fishing industry, and even a primer for executive management in risk management.
Though he was not particularly a religious man, Cousteau believed that the teachings of the different major religions provide valuable ideals and thoughts to protect the environment. In a Chapter entitled "The Holy Scriptures and The Environment" in the posthumous work The Human, the Orchid, and the Octopus, he is quoted as stating that "The glory of nature provides evidence that God exists"
For the scientist and environmentalist, or just the plain lover of nature, I highly recommend this book.
the marvelous, "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.". Cousteau won many awards in his lifetime, but I still feel that he way highly underrated when I walk away from listening to his book. The man was a genius, a visionary. This book was written shortly before his death in 1997. We have had 21 years since his death to consider the clear warnings that he gave us concerning our environment and the worsening conditions of the seas. What have we seen develop? Have we listened?
He develops chapters that read like white papers on the nuclear power industry, nuclear arms proliferation, undersea drilling, the fishing industry, and even a primer for executive management in risk management.
Though he was not particularly a religious man, Cousteau believed that the teachings of the different major religions provide valuable ideals and thoughts to protect the environment. In a Chapter entitled "The Holy Scriptures and The Environment" in the posthumous work The Human, the Orchid, and the Octopus, he is quoted as stating that "The glory of nature provides evidence that God exists"
For the scientist and environmentalist, or just the plain lover of nature, I highly recommend this book.
August 29, 2020
This book, compiled by Cousteau shortly before his death in 1997, can serve as his last testimony to the world. We have the old man's tales of his early adventures and the marvels he found in the seas. But we also hear his mounting fury against the devastation of our planet. With coldly objective, passionately presented data he rages against the apologists for chemical and nuclear industries who protect the public from knowing that they are being poisoned, and who ridicule citizens who fear for their children's safety. With grandfatherly outrage he details the complicity of governments in strip-mining the seas of life, and of subsidizing the corporations responsible. This is a fiery Cousteau to match the kindly guide we knew. His passion for life is so far beyond sentimentality that it's close to stunning.
April 17, 2015
A little dated in parts, this was my first foray into a Jacques Cousteau book. For me, Cousteau shined best in this book when recounting his own past. If I can find an autobiography by the man I'd love to read it - his life anecdotes read like a modern day Verne character. Active in WW2, then an explorer of the deeps and all the wonders therein.
November 20, 2017
This book is not sugar coated with adventures but instead references Jacques adventures in relation to lessons he learned through his life. You have to read between the lines of his diatribes of environmental destruction by humans on the sea and earth. Examples include his huge effort to reduce risk to his men because of a young diver who perished on a solo dive early in Jacques' career. Recently watching his series "The undersea world of Jacques Cousteau" he had his engineers on board Calypso take apart the entire mini-subs and put them back together to make sure everything was working properly. This was done over a week onboard Calypso! I was amazed that he (or his engineers) took such pains to meticulously check out the subs before sending his men down in them. After reading "The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus" I understand why he went to such lengths. He did not consider it a liability to protect his men from risk but a privilege to keep them safe.
Another example is when Calypso destroyed and old growth stand of black coral with her anchor. From then on he made sure that Calypso always dropped her anchor in avoidance of sensitive habitat.
Rather than fighting Atomic proliferation he became involved with the IAEA and was on the commission.
He weaves his experiences into the Earth's environmental challenges which is very learnered.
Jacques was an amazing guy and references his knowledge of science, religion, including the Quran, and politics to bring the Earth's environment into perspective.
Another example is when Calypso destroyed and old growth stand of black coral with her anchor. From then on he made sure that Calypso always dropped her anchor in avoidance of sensitive habitat.
Rather than fighting Atomic proliferation he became involved with the IAEA and was on the commission.
He weaves his experiences into the Earth's environmental challenges which is very learnered.
Jacques was an amazing guy and references his knowledge of science, religion, including the Quran, and politics to bring the Earth's environment into perspective.
August 24, 2020
I really did enjoy this book, even though it was a bit of a mess. The introductory chapters to this edition were fantastic and reminded me why I loved Cousteau so much as a kid. What a badass pioneer of the sea!
Overall, it was published posthumously and co-written, so I think it suffered a bit in the editing and focus department. The first half of the book is fairly autobiographical, classic Cousteau kind of stuff, but then we launch into a pretty long diatribe about nuclear power and bombs with basically no segue. This is followed up by a great, but weird, philosophical, psychedelic chapter of "what if's" for the future. My favourite being the evolution of Homo aquaticus where we go back into the sea to live our best lives. My least favourite being the thought that if we were immortal our children would become even more useless, with a 15,000-year parental commitment required. What's left of my ovaries just shrivelled up at the thought.
I think I'd like to follow this up with his more classic The Silent World. So maybe this particular book is not a must-read for anyone, but fans of Cousteau will still enjoy it. I did.
Overall, it was published posthumously and co-written, so I think it suffered a bit in the editing and focus department. The first half of the book is fairly autobiographical, classic Cousteau kind of stuff, but then we launch into a pretty long diatribe about nuclear power and bombs with basically no segue. This is followed up by a great, but weird, philosophical, psychedelic chapter of "what if's" for the future. My favourite being the evolution of Homo aquaticus where we go back into the sea to live our best lives. My least favourite being the thought that if we were immortal our children would become even more useless, with a 15,000-year parental commitment required. What's left of my ovaries just shrivelled up at the thought.
I think I'd like to follow this up with his more classic The Silent World. So maybe this particular book is not a must-read for anyone, but fans of Cousteau will still enjoy it. I did.
June 13, 2014
Cousteau led a fascinating life, thus this is a fascinating book. I was expecting it to be all about his underwater dives, but there's actually a wealth of material here on many different subjects. Some of it deals with Cousteau's political life out of the water, as perhaps the most famous voice for ocean conservation, but it was all interesting (despite the occasional lack of sharks.)
My only criticism is that the section towards the end about the evils of nuclear waste seems to come a bit out of nowhere. I understand that nuclear waste effects the whole environment, and thus the oceans, but somehow it doesn't seem to quite gel with the rest of the book. It's like, after regaling you with tales from his fascinating life for 90% of the book, Cousteau then says, "By the way, have I mentioned how much I hate nuclear energy? I hate nuclear energy!" I don't even necessarily disagree with him (need to learn more personally), but it did give me pause here.
Still, highly recommended. Cousteau's life was inspiring, and I think many people's lives would be improved by knowing more about him.
My only criticism is that the section towards the end about the evils of nuclear waste seems to come a bit out of nowhere. I understand that nuclear waste effects the whole environment, and thus the oceans, but somehow it doesn't seem to quite gel with the rest of the book. It's like, after regaling you with tales from his fascinating life for 90% of the book, Cousteau then says, "By the way, have I mentioned how much I hate nuclear energy? I hate nuclear energy!" I don't even necessarily disagree with him (need to learn more personally), but it did give me pause here.
Still, highly recommended. Cousteau's life was inspiring, and I think many people's lives would be improved by knowing more about him.
April 26, 2016
Whether it's from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou or the casual narration at the beginning of an episode of Spongebob Squarepants, most of what I know about Jacques Cousteau is just pastiche. He's been little more to me than a name and an affected French accent.
Yet, of all the things I've heard about the man, of all the things he's reported to have done for the conservation, exploration, and appreciation of the natural world, I figured it was worth checking out a book by the man.
This book is broken down into chapters that read like essays on different topics that mattered to Cousteau. He talks about his time as a spy during WWII, his documentaries, the ocean, and all about how much impact we humans have had on everything. There's even a chapter that discusses religion and environmentalism in a very fair and objective way. Biography, science, natural history, experience, and opinion blend here seamlessly.
Very interesting, very fascinating, and a relatively fast read.
Yet, of all the things I've heard about the man, of all the things he's reported to have done for the conservation, exploration, and appreciation of the natural world, I figured it was worth checking out a book by the man.
This book is broken down into chapters that read like essays on different topics that mattered to Cousteau. He talks about his time as a spy during WWII, his documentaries, the ocean, and all about how much impact we humans have had on everything. There's even a chapter that discusses religion and environmentalism in a very fair and objective way. Biography, science, natural history, experience, and opinion blend here seamlessly.
Very interesting, very fascinating, and a relatively fast read.
February 14, 2011
Along with Marlin Perkins, Jacques Cousteau was one of the guys to spark my interest in the natural environment when I was a kid. So I cut him a little slack for this overly preachy book.
It seems to be Cousteau's answer to the question "what would you like your epitaph to read?" In that sense, it meets expectations - the book provides insight into the man as well as his message - think long-term and think of conservation of resources rather than short term gain. It is a good message, consistent with my own belief that we all need to be good stewards of the planet.
There are also several thought-provoking segments where Cousteau discusses philosophy, applied science versus pure science, religion, and the notion of risk assessment. Those parts of the book were great. But the rest...a little tedious with the moralizing and intensity.
Thanks for reading.
It seems to be Cousteau's answer to the question "what would you like your epitaph to read?" In that sense, it meets expectations - the book provides insight into the man as well as his message - think long-term and think of conservation of resources rather than short term gain. It is a good message, consistent with my own belief that we all need to be good stewards of the planet.
There are also several thought-provoking segments where Cousteau discusses philosophy, applied science versus pure science, religion, and the notion of risk assessment. Those parts of the book were great. But the rest...a little tedious with the moralizing and intensity.
Thanks for reading.
June 16, 2012
This fascinating collection of anecdotes from the life of an amazing man takes a somber turn, as Cousteau first looks back on his life and then looks ahead to a dark future. He talks about the change he has seen in the world's oceans in the last 50 years and what's to come. He looks back on his years of opposition to nuclear energy and weaponry and all the mistakes that have been made which will be around to haunt us for 1000 years. And lastly he contemplates climate change and how that will affect the planet.
But ultimately, this scientist and explorer turns his mind to the possibility that science will provide an out for us and solve all our problems. This leads him to an imagined utopia of science-led perfection. Wishful thinking, I would argue, but you can't fault an old man (the book was written a year before he died and acts as his final memoirs) his hope for the future.
But ultimately, this scientist and explorer turns his mind to the possibility that science will provide an out for us and solve all our problems. This leads him to an imagined utopia of science-led perfection. Wishful thinking, I would argue, but you can't fault an old man (the book was written a year before he died and acts as his final memoirs) his hope for the future.
May 3, 2020
Chapter 1-3 can be read as a memoir of legendary explorer, Jacques Cousteau, while the rest appeared as conservationists' manifesto. The data presented in the book are quite outdated, as expected from a book published in 2007.
I adored the 'memoir' so much: it was the story of adventure and wisdom, fused with the author's love for the ocean. The writing was rich (e.g: "tossing relentlessly in a gale-battered sea", "ravaged by weather and dilapidated by time" - some of my highlighted phrases here)
For the rest of the book, I am ambivalent. Information are jumbled together, ranging from nuclear waste to scientists' responsibilities. I wished Cousteau would bring his personal touch to a selected few, instead of spreading it so thin.
.
I adored the 'memoir' so much: it was the story of adventure and wisdom, fused with the author's love for the ocean. The writing was rich (e.g: "tossing relentlessly in a gale-battered sea", "ravaged by weather and dilapidated by time" - some of my highlighted phrases here)
For the rest of the book, I am ambivalent. Information are jumbled together, ranging from nuclear waste to scientists' responsibilities. I wished Cousteau would bring his personal touch to a selected few, instead of spreading it so thin.
.
September 11, 2008
Cousteau's last book (I believe) is also an excellent introduction to his beliefs and views when it comes to things like protecting the oceans, the dangers of nuclear power, and issue of politics versus science when it comes to making public policy. Although some may find this a bit too dry, I enjoyed Cousteau's sardonic but intelligent commentary--very well supported by facts and numbers--exposing the hypocrisy and shortsightedness of politicians. He also peppers his intellectual analysis with warm, humanistic anecdotes from his travels that kept the book from being too tedious or preachy. Should be mandatory reading for public policy makers!
April 10, 2014
Important but way too preachy. This is much more like a text book on environmental science and policy than the memoir I was hoping for. It reminded me if Al Gores Earth in the Balance, for example.
Chapter 10 is a five-star must read. It's a visionary description of humanity in 1 billion years. It made me think and gave me hope.
The rest of the book was very downbeat and filled with typical environmentalist angst which in my opinion does not help the cause. While being well researched and well written, most of it was eerily devoid of the tone of wonderment and love for the planet which his films convey.
Chapter 10 is a five-star must read. It's a visionary description of humanity in 1 billion years. It made me think and gave me hope.
The rest of the book was very downbeat and filled with typical environmentalist angst which in my opinion does not help the cause. While being well researched and well written, most of it was eerily devoid of the tone of wonderment and love for the planet which his films convey.
August 27, 2013
I have never been this moved by a book about conservation. Even though he was discussed tangentially here and there, I never really knew who Cousteau was during the course of my marine science education. This book showed the magnitude of his life, his work and his passion but more importantly it showed how big of an impact politics, economics and innovation have on the ocean and the publics perception.
This book was written to open eyes, touch hearts, and promote conservation on all levels. For me, it left me wanting to make a difference.
This book was written to open eyes, touch hearts, and promote conservation on all levels. For me, it left me wanting to make a difference.
September 26, 2012
I am not a diver, couldn't put this one down. To sum it up - Jacques Cousteau invented underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA to me and you) - the sea is an incredibly hostile place and he is one of the greatest adventurers that ever lived. To be honest I think I was mostly jealous of what an amazing life he had led, the stories he had to tell and the amount of influence that he has had in conservation and diving politics, right up until the end of life! What a legend.
March 10, 2009
This memoir by the legendary scientist, explorer and environmental advocate speaks to both his passions. He captivates with stores of his pioneering exploration of the underworld, and he shocks with his accounts of the destructive impact humans have had on the once virgin seas. Both amazing and disturbing. The Human, the Orchid, and the Octopus by Jacques Cousteau
May 31, 2012
Cousteau's message about conservation is interesting and important, but this book goes on a little too long. He is a really interesting guy who led an amazing life and a lot of the stories in this book are eye-opening (I now feel guilty for eating fish and am seriously concerned about a nuclear disaster), but he could have gotten his points across a lot more quickly.
April 2, 2013
closer to 4.5--almost perfect
fascinating insight into the character and thoughts of Jacques Cousteau. thought-provoking material. Interesting, though, to see mentions of God, creation, the miracle of life in one breath and all life coming from the sea through evolution in the next, "an orchestration of accidents".
fascinating insight into the character and thoughts of Jacques Cousteau. thought-provoking material. Interesting, though, to see mentions of God, creation, the miracle of life in one breath and all life coming from the sea through evolution in the next, "an orchestration of accidents".
September 13, 2012
This was a good book but I think the manifesto part about pollution, etc. was too long and will be preaching to the choir for most readers of a book by Cousteau. The parts about Cousteau's life and the way he thought about things were very interesting.
June 26, 2025
Although it took me over a year to complete, I really enjoyed this book. It is packed with exciting stories from ocean adventures and startling policies and truths about marine wildlife conservation. It's over 25 years old, however, and I'm sure that if it were updated, it would be harder to balance the devastation with inspiration.
July 17, 2024
This would have been a five-star read, if it weren’t for the chapter where Cousteau presents theories about the future which are utterly ridiculous and bizarrely comical, lol. Thankfully, that wasn’t until near the end of the book. Apart from that, It is an incredibly relevant and powerful book. I recommend it to anyone who cares about life on earth. What a great guy! He has inspired me quite a lot.
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November 13, 2007Ok, I admit this caught my eye because it has octopus in the title, but that's not the only reason. Besides, everyone knows that Jacques Cousteau is a total bad-ass, and we seriously could use some of his wisdom around here lately...Especially at that damn press conference. Where is the Captain when we need him?!
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May 7, 2008Jacques Cousteau was born in what he called "a lucky place in time," the dawning of a technological age in which lone explorers, scientists and researchers were limited only by their own imaginations.
Anything seemed possible then, and Cousteau himself was driven by relentless curiosity about everything around him.
read more ...
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2008/02/05/Co...
Anything seemed possible then, and Cousteau himself was driven by relentless curiosity about everything around him.
read more ...
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2008/02/05/Co...
April 20, 2015
I loved this book. I was a little upset that it didn't end up being more like "Silent World", jam packed with crazy adventures, but it ended up being a very eye opening experience. Now I just need to figure out what has happened in all the areas spoken about in this book since it was finished over twenty five years ago.
June 12, 2021
If you grew up in the 1970s like I did, you grew up with The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, a television show that melded Cousteau’s explorations aboard his ship the Calypso with stories and video about life in the ocean. I have fond memories of the show, so decided to read his autobiography, The Human, the Orchid and the Octopus, written with Susan Schiefelbein.
Cousteau was a fascinating individual. He was a member of the French Navy and participated in the French resistance during WWII. He helped invent the first aqua-lung, which enabled humans to remain underwater for extended periods of time. He had a long career as an ocean explorer and documentarian, producing movies and video about marine life. He invented the diving saucer, shark cages and the turbosail. Through his dives he witnessed firsthand the damage humans were wreaking on ocean ecosystems and this led him to become a lifelong environmentalist, founding the Cousteau Society for the Protection of Ocean Life. Later in life he became an outspoken critic of nuclear weapons and energy. Cousteau died in 1997 at the age of 87. The book was published 10 years after his death.
An interesting life certainly lends itself to an interesting memoir, and the portion of the book pertaining to Cousteau’s biography is indeed compelling. The book then turns to his views relating to conservation, and even though I myself am an ardent environmentalist (and work in the field of environmental protection), I found this portion of the book long-winded, preachy and lacking in practical solutions. I think there was a period of time when environmentalists thought that positive change could be brought about by a thorough scolding. While admonishments may be necessary to raise awareness of an issue, they are rarely sufficient in and of themselves to produce meaningful change.
Thus, rather than a celebration of Cousteau’s life, the book devolves into tiresome and interminable finger wagging. Something that neither bolsters Cousteau’s legacy nor benefits the oceans he so loved.
Cousteau was a fascinating individual. He was a member of the French Navy and participated in the French resistance during WWII. He helped invent the first aqua-lung, which enabled humans to remain underwater for extended periods of time. He had a long career as an ocean explorer and documentarian, producing movies and video about marine life. He invented the diving saucer, shark cages and the turbosail. Through his dives he witnessed firsthand the damage humans were wreaking on ocean ecosystems and this led him to become a lifelong environmentalist, founding the Cousteau Society for the Protection of Ocean Life. Later in life he became an outspoken critic of nuclear weapons and energy. Cousteau died in 1997 at the age of 87. The book was published 10 years after his death.
An interesting life certainly lends itself to an interesting memoir, and the portion of the book pertaining to Cousteau’s biography is indeed compelling. The book then turns to his views relating to conservation, and even though I myself am an ardent environmentalist (and work in the field of environmental protection), I found this portion of the book long-winded, preachy and lacking in practical solutions. I think there was a period of time when environmentalists thought that positive change could be brought about by a thorough scolding. While admonishments may be necessary to raise awareness of an issue, they are rarely sufficient in and of themselves to produce meaningful change.
Thus, rather than a celebration of Cousteau’s life, the book devolves into tiresome and interminable finger wagging. Something that neither bolsters Cousteau’s legacy nor benefits the oceans he so loved.
February 16, 2021
This book felt like an excellent place to be introduced to Costeau and the body of work that he created for himself throughout his life. Each chapter was able to be built off of an extensive catalog of knowledge from Costeau. The writing of the book with all of its content was overall enjoyable to read and felt less like a chore due to the personal opinions and experiences that Costeau was constantly sharing throughout the writing. He played down small bits of information throughout his writing so that by the end of the book, the reader felt like they had created an extensive foundation of knowledge not only about the author's life but about trying to understand the ocean and developing a greater perspective and opinion about it, all the while developing great measurements of gratitude for the world around us. The book was a perfect balance between learning about factual science and learning about Costeau and the thoughts that seemingly he had collected throughout his life. The book is something to walk away from feeling like you have developed an opinion on a greater issue on life throughout the world.
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