Kim Stanley Robinson: The High Sierra: A Love Story (#325)

Watch the video of this episode here. In this live in-studio
episode of The INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE, host Brian Keating sat down
with renowned science fiction author, Kim Stanley Robinson, to
discuss his fist major non-fiction work, The High Sierra: A Love
Story. Equal parts memoir, guidebook, geology tutorial, and
historiography, in High Sierra, Robinson describes the geological
forces that shaped the Sierras and the history of its exploration,
going back to the indigenous peoples who made it home and whose
traces can still be found today in the knapping fields of obsidian
chips. He celebrates the people whose ideas and actions protected
the High Sierra for future generations. He describes uniquely
beautiful hikes and the trails to be avoided. Robinson’s own
life-altering events, defining relationships, and unforgettable
adventures form the narrative’s spine. And he illuminates the human
communion with the wild and with the sublime, including the
personal growth that only seems to come from time spent outdoors.
Stan reveals his writing process (he treats it as a job and doesn’t
“wait” for inspiration). Keating and Robinson also discuss
Robinson's book, "Galileo's Dream" exploring one of Professor
Keating’s heroes and the lessons Stan learned from researching the
great scientist. Robinson emphasizes the importance of melding
science and art, arguing that the split between them is due to a
lack of understanding and a unified approach is essential to the
progress of humanity. He defends John Muir against accusations of
racism, and mistreatment of Native Americans, pointing out Muir's
desire to preserve the Sierras, his recognition of Native American
stewardship and his admonitions to get outside. Host Keating even
gets feedback on his science fiction novel pitch. Kim Stanley
Robinson is a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Hugo,
Nebula, and Locus awards. He is the author of more than twenty
books, including the bestselling Mars trilogy and the critically
acclaimed 2312, Shaman, New York 2140, and The Ministry for the
Future. He traveled in Antarctica twice, courtesy of the US
National Science Foundation. In 2008, he was named a “Hero of the
Environment” by Time magazine, and he works with the Sierra Nevada
Research Institute. He lives in Davis, California. Subscribe to the
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