Henry David Thoreau was a pivotal figure in American literature and philosophy. His life and work are celebrated in a new PBS documentary, “Henry David Thoreau,” narrated by notable voices like George Clooney and Jeff Goldblum. The series sheds light on Thoreau’s deep connection to nature, his thoughts on simplicity, and his broader social commentary.
The documentary began as a short film. Don Henley, known for his role in the Eagles, wanted to showcase Walden Pond, where Thoreau lived and wrote his famous book, Walden. His passion led him to collaborate with renowned documentarian Ken Burns. Brothers Erik and Christopher Ewers took on the project, diving deeper into Thoreau’s life beyond what we learned in school.
“It’s not just about two books—Walden and Civil Disobedience,” Christopher Ewers explained. “Thoreau was so much more.” The documentary explores Thoreau’s roles as a teacher, a businessman, and his connections to movements like women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery.
One key insight comes from the Ewers brothers’ extensive research. They filmed in and around Walden for over seven years, capturing the beauty of the seasons that Thoreau loved. Christopher described how Thoreau saw nature not just as scenery, but as a participant in life. “He thought the seasons were friends,” he noted, emphasizing Thoreau’s unique perspective on nature’s changes.
Thoreau’s influence extends far beyond nature writing. His ideas on civil disobedience inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. However, the documentary also touches on Thoreau’s complexities, including his views on Indigenous Americans, and how those perspectives resonate today.
Today, as climate change poses serious challenges, Thoreau’s thoughts on living simply and harmoniously with nature seem even more relevant. Environmental activist Bill McKibben poignantly states in the documentary, “We built the world that Thoreau feared.” This line resonates, as modern life becomes increasingly chaotic, often overshadowing the quiet introspection that Thoreau championed.
As all these themes unfold in the documentary, it prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives. It encourages us to ask: Are we living thoughtfully? Are we tuned in to nature and our surroundings?
Thoreau’s wisdom is timeless. His message of seizing the moment and finding meaning in everyday life remains a crucial lesson today: “There is no other life but this.”
Catch “Henry David Thoreau” on PBS starting March 30 at 9 PM ET. More info can be found on the PBS website.
