On the Four Eras of the Use of the Ocean by Mankind

Abstract

This paper takes the relationship between humans and the ocean as the object of analysis, from the perspective of human use of the ocean, four era theories on the relationship between humans and the ocean are proposed, i.e., in the first era, the ocean is a geographic barrier for mankind; in the second era, the ocean is a road for human transportation; in the third era, the ocean is a granary for mankind; in the fourth era, the ocean is a treasure house of mankind’s natural resources. Viewing from the last three eras, we can know that the ocean plays an important role in promoting the creation, production, and accumulation of human wealth. This paper argues the four-era theory of the relationship between humans and the ocean, also get the following conclusion: every era has the most significant feature of this era. This most significant feature function is the most important, largest, latest, and trendy contribution of the oceans to humans in this era; the four-era theory of the relationship between humans and the ocean also shows the continuous improvement process of human influence and utilization of the oceans; the continuous improvement of human influence and utilization of the ocean is realized by improvement of science and technology; the ability of humans to influence and utilize the oceans in the second era surpassed the first era is due to advances in shipbuilding technology and navigation technology; humans’ ability to influence and utilize the ocean in the third era surpassed the second era due to advances in biotechnology; and the ability of humans to influence and utilize the ocean in the fourth era surpassed the third era due to the advancement and application of all-round science and technology; Historically, once a country has maritime hegemony, this country would become wealthy, powerful, and the leaders of maritime civilization.