Robert Macfarlane, acclaimed nature writer and poet, explores the profound question of whether rivers can be considered alive in his latest book, Is a River Alive?. Drawing on his experiences and encounters with landscapes, Macfarlane reflects on the intricate relationship between people and nature. He acknowledges the simplicity of the title being viewed as a declaration but clarifies that it's a nuanced exploration of our perception and understanding of rivers and life. The book has elicited mixed reactions, highlighting the divide between romanticism and rationalism regarding nature.
"The title is a question not a declaration: by means of travel, encounter and immersion, the book explores the tributaries and watershed of this vastly complex question of how we imagine rivers and indeed how we imagine life itself."
"I'm already finding that I'm getting people online who are, on the one hand, saying: You idiot, of course a river is alive. And then on the other, I'm getting the rationalists who are like: You idiot, of course a river isn't alive..."
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