What was the gist of 'The Story of the Sahara?'

The Story of the Sahara was mainly about an American. Through describing the protagonist's loneliness in the desert, the harsh living environment, and the communication with the locals, the novel explored the meaning of human existence, the conflict of civilizations, and the relationship between individuals and the collective. The main idea of the novel can be summarized as: in extreme environments, the meaning of human existence is challenged, and the relationship between individuals and the collective needs to be re-examined. Through the protagonist's experiences, Ernest emphasized the interaction between the individual and the social environment, as well as the qualities of tenacity, courage, and perseverance that individuals needed in the face of difficulties. At the same time, the novel also discussed the conflict of civilizations and cultural variety, and raised warnings and reflections on similar challenges in modern society.