What is a thalassophile? A person who loves and is magnetically attracted to the ocean and the sea. Many people say they enjoy spending time at the beach, especially during summertime, this is more like being one who needs to be near the ocean all the time. Some pro surfers may qualify as a thalassophile.
This addiction can be so intense that a person doesn't just appreciate being close to the shoreline but needs to live in coastal areas like they need air - perhaps sea air - to breathe.
The word "thalassophile" derives from the Greek terms thalassa, meaning sea, and phile or philos, a person or thing having a fondness for a specified thing. In Greek mythology, Thalassa was the primeval goddess and spirit of the sea.
It may sound a bit unhealthy to have this addiction or attraction. Just looking at the ocean activates opiate receptors in the brain, releasing dopamine and its rush of reward.
Do you sometimes feel the need to get to the sea? That's where Herman Melville places Ishmael at the start of Moby Dick.
“Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off--then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship.” ― Herman Melville, Moby Dick
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