Hannah Sundell
Equinox Staff
It would be a difficult task to find someone as passionate about Henry David Thoreau’s work and Watershed Science as Professor Robert M. Thorson. Thorson combines science and literature in his teachings, crossing literary and environmental studies interests in a book.
Thorson lectured at KSC on Sept. 5. The lecture focused on river systems and gave an introduction to Henry David Thoreau’s life and interest in Watershed Science. Watershed Science explores river systems and hydrology. Watersheds are areas a river system drains, the ridge between two such areas.
A former student of Thorson and KSC Professor of Environmental Studies, Denise Burchsted, said that the talk was, “a useful perspective for students of different disciplines.”
Thorson described himself as a, “Surficial Geologist, someone specializes in landscapes, terrain and landforms.” In combining literature and natural science, Thorson spoke about the deeper meanings for life and truth. He mentioned “hard reality”, which he described as, “a metaphor for the simplicity, and the stability and the solidity of truth.” He explored the literal meaning of hard reality, or “rock reality,” and Thoreau’s little- known interest in geology. Thorson shared his passion for natural science and Thoreau’s studies with a packed lecture hall of students and faculty. According to Thorson, teaching allows him to give contemporary meaning and relevance to his work. Thorson said that college students “want to figure out what life has for them, they want to carve their own pathway. That’s what Thoreau’s manifesto is all about.”
Thorson is a professor of Geology at the UConn, a columnist and an author of several books. His latest book, Walden’s Shores will be available in November.
Hannah Sundell can be contacted at hsundell@keene-equinox.com