Urgent State: One Route to Saving our Species by Larry Pratt

Author:Larry Pratt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SMP Press

TWENTY – FIVE

Harold Knight had always been sort of a nerd. While not a true geek, he was known as being extremely curious: perpetually more interested in learning than most of his peers. His older brother, Brian, was old enough that they had only been in school together one year of elementary school. Then Hal was on his own and shy and near-sighted.

Coming from a family of educators, it was no surprise when Hal was awarded a full ride to Stanford. Although on the other coast, and away from home, Stanford’s engineering schools were excellent and that was his interest. They also had a rowing team. That too was of interest. He was a lean, strong kid and his brother had always told him to work out and bulk up. He had read about rowing as a way to do just that.

While dabbling in various majors and fulfilling basic requirements at Stanford he was introduced to Materials Science. He became fascinated by this area of study and by his second year he was leaning towards that degree. While looking into the most reputable institutions in Materials Science he learned that Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offered a few courses that Stanford did not. He also read they had a fair rowing team. That cinched the deal. He transferred to the school on the other coast that was closer to home. He was a New Yorker, but Mass. was close enough.

In one of his classes he met an adjunct faculty member that he immediately resonated with. After a few classes, and some office hours discussions, Edward White asked Hal if he would run with him. Long distance runners liked company and Hal, through rowing, had serious stamina. They started running together and talking. As Edward described his home and the reservation, Harold listened closely.

The geology, the minerals, the metals and the canyon exposing it all would be something to see. Hal’s receptive attitude sparked a friendship that would last forever. Other relationships begun at MIT were of a more professional nature, this was a true friendship.

The engineering studies offered opportunities to network and attend conferences and seminars in various locales. Many such gatherings drew an international audience, with students and/or faculty from other universities in attendance. Hal got to know experts in the field that taught at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and his former place of study: Stanford.

One Thanksgiving weekend, while still at MIT, Harold’s brother Brian had sent a message to confirm that they both would be home for that holiday. Brian expressed a need to have a quiet chat. After Friday turkey sandwiches, Brian invited Hal out to the local pub for a beer.

They bundled up and walked a few well-known blocks to a popular tourist hang out. The tourists were gone for the season and there was room in the back corner to relax and talk. Only the periodic clack of balls on the pool table was loud enough to interrupt.

In confidence, Brian told the story of the plans to put together a new community.

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