Talking on the Water

A collection of interviews exploring the relationship between nature and creativity, featuring prominent thinkers in Talking on the Water.

In Talking on the Water, readers are invited to embark on a unique journey through a series of insightful interviews conducted aboard a sixty-five-foot schooner. These 'floating seminars,' organized by Jonathan White during the 1980s and 90s, brought together an eclectic mix of writers, scientists, conservationists, and artists. Over the course of a decade, White engaged in deep conversations with these leading thinkers, exploring the intricate connections between nature and the creative process. Each dialogue serves as a thread in a larger tapestry that reveals our relationship to the wild.

The book features notable figures, including beloved fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin, who reflects on the nature of language, and microbiologist Lynn Margulis, who delves into Darwin's legacy and the multifaceted meanings of evolution. Anthropologist Richard Nelson contributes his insights into the spiritual life of Alaska's native people, while other prominent voices like Gretel Ehrlich, Paul Shepard, and Peter Matthiessen add their perspectives. The diverse backgrounds of these contributors highlight the richness of thought that emerges when creativity and environmentalism intersect.

Talking on the Water ultimately aims to uncover the common ground that sustains these varied conversations. By examining the interconnectedness of ideas from writers, conservationists, and thinkers, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own understanding of the environment and their place within it. This collection not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also emphasizes the importance of dialogue in fostering a deeper connection to the world around us.