You Are Not Just One Thing 

“I am a school master, private tutor, surveyor, gardener and farmer, house-painter, carpenter, mason, day laborer, pencil-maker, writer and sometimes a poet.”  

Henry D. Thoreau 

How many times have you entered a conversation with a new acquaintance and found yourself being asked, “So what is it that you do?” Regardless of whether that question immediately stirs a sense of pride or annoyance, it reflects a cultural mindset that our identity rests singularly in one thing; one job, one title, one role.  

Enter Henry David Thoreau. I don’t think he would ask that question upon meeting you for the first time, or if he did, he would not be satisfied with the answer until he had learned everything about you; your family, your roots, your hobbies, your passions, your interests, your beliefs, your service and yes, your job. And then I think he would quickly move on and ask you how you plan to use everything that is you to change the world for the better. 

This man’s writings are profoundly introspective, practical and applicable. While he strove to lead a quiet and unassuming life, his words and thoughts would go on to change the world through profoundly influencing leaders like John Muir, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.  

This month, WTVP is privileged to bring you Henry David Thoreau, a three-part documentary presented by Ken Burns, narrated by George Clooney and featuring the voices of Jeff Goldblum (Henry David Thoreau), Ted Danson (Ralph Waldo Emerson) and many more. This is one you won’t want to miss! 

What WTVP brings you is unique and special. Content that encourages you to think, reflect and consider that you are not just “one thing.” Content that encourages you to learn something new, try something new and give back to your community in new ways.   

Thanks for watching with us! 

Jenn Gordon