Two Beers with Thomas Reime Berthelsen: "Try everything"
Two Beers with Thomas Reime Berthelsen
“Try everything. If you hit your limits, you know where they are.”
If you live by Pentagon, you’ve probably seen Thomas strolling to and fro. You have definitely seen them if you have visited Økolaget or Gay på Landet; two associations that Thomas has been active in for many years. We find Thomas by a tent on the edge of a golf course by Dyrløkke.
Journalist and Translator: Benjamin Alexander Faulkner
Photographer: Åsne Sørlie-Nordnes
Cheesy mushrooms
«Kokekaffe is completely amazing,» they say, leaning over the gas burner. We’ve found ourselves a peaceful pond. Ducks play in the reeds, and the coffee is distributed fairly. Thomas is a student of food sciences with an interest in more equal distribution of food. They were not as enthusiastic when it came to chemistry in the beginning, but luckily, everything came around. Now they want to develop products which are good for the environment. “Like vegetarpostei, one that tastes good,” they add. They also want to develop plant-based products, like more “cheesy” vegan cheese alternatives which can match the traditional dairy products; vegan cheeses which are more than just “a slab of corporeal matter”. They eagerly explain an experiment in the US where scientists inject mushroom yeast cells with cattle genes. They hope to be able to harvest all the components of milk.
Fight club
We find ourselves relaxing by the pond after enjoying a view of the local golf course. Thomas has tried golf a few times, but never really got into it. However, there is another activity. If you have ever seen someone assail Thomas on a vors or nach, it is most likely a consensual struggle. Not long ago, Thomas founded an informal fight club inspired by a so-called “fierce match” of dodgeball at Eika. Being a member implies that you consent to being attacked by other members of the club at any time. “Push in the knees from behind and watch people collapse,” they smile. Hits and kicks are forbidden, but wrestling is appreciated. “Maybe we all need to fight from time to time,” they say. Friendly fights come naturally, and they view it as a way to bond. “Reflect on whether you need to wrestle a little,” Thomas says. It is an arena for new experiences. “A way to experience a moose clash,” as it is called. The next time you are at a boring vors, you can try Thomas’ favourite game: “Slap It.” Essentially, you bet 10 face slaps on, for example, whether or not a random person falls unconscious from boozing before 11’o clock. If you win, you may slap your adversary in the face ten times within an unlimited time span. The higher the stakes, the more amusing it gets.
The wisdom of nature
We find refuge inside the tent. It is austerely decorated, but it shelters us from the breeze. It is a good place to discuss the pedagogical qualities of nature. “I think it is healthy to not be comfortable all the time. I despise hedonism. It’s the worst.” Our life style has distanced us from our biology. We struggled with concentration. Abuse of technology is one of the problems. Go out into the woods with a tent and just sit there. For three days. For three weeks. “You don’t need to buy fancy gear. You will most likely survive, no matter what happens.” Thomas only requires one thing of you: bring your shit shovel. Don’t leave toilet paper outside. Bring it home, because it doesn’t decompose so quickly.
The meaning of life
Thomas holds that philosophy is important for living the good life. “I hate it. But I think it is important. If there is a meaning of life, then maybe I will find out. Maybe when I am 80.” They see that we are here because of biology, and we have free will. But life is aligned to various directions. They reject doctrine, and find it very stubborn by scientists to not believe in the possibilities of a divine being, especially when there are so many things we cannot explain. “We can explain that atoms are put together by quarks – and can probably explain what quarks are – but where does it all end up?”
From metaphysics to social philosophy
Thomas routinely delves into metaphysics. “Time is annoying,” they say. “Things are constituted by molecules; lights go in waves - but they are particles too. We can explain many things, but what is time? It is inconstant and can go faster or slower according to the theory of relativity. But what is it? I hate the fact that I don’t know, to be honest.” Otherwise, Thomas reveals that they have put laid metaphysics to rest and embraced the realm of social philosophy. It is more concrete and practical. Problems caused by humanity can also be solved by humanity.
Gender issues
“I have no time for gender”, Thomas says. As a scholar of queer theory, they have reflected much upon how this movement has developed. “As I see it, queer dialogue has morphed from being very open and general to being more specific. There are a lot of absolutes both in terms of gender and sexuality, in a spectrum which, for many, fluctuates a lot. I have met many people who found out that they may not be cis and/or heterosexual and feel that they have lost association to much of their identity without finding a new one, as there are so many to choose from. I am delighted that it has become more commonplace to use these terms, and I want people to know that it is still possible to just call yourself “queer” and be satisfied with that, both in terms of sex and sexuality. At the same time, it is important to remember that, not only are queer people different, but their experiences are varied. A lot of hate crime is directed toward specific groups, and it would be wrong to invalidated others experiences anyway.”
Try everything
To conclude, I ask Thomas for a few tips to new students at Ås. They ponder for a while before they eventually say: “The classic one is: try everything. If you hit the wall, at least you know where it is. And try to not do things. Try not to have sex. Try not to have a gender.” Furthermore, they emphasizes the importance of reducing yourself and building yourself up again. Be conscious as to who you chose to be. “And have a good buddy week,” they laugh.
Gender neutrality
Net neutrality
In all conflicts neutral
A world going feudal
We grieve the loss of the library in Alexandria
And bomb all books written in foreign directions
Bezos buys up the Norwegian library
The phallus of the individual penetrates society
He is gone before you wake up
Greetings to Thomas
Dear Thomas!
We in the Moominhouse want to thank you for the years we have spent together as coinhabitants. You have made us laugh, smile, displayed for us your eccentric culture and the horrible whining noises from miscellaneous semi-functioning appliances.
Descriptive stories blossom around our kitchen tablet at Verket 2, but we all agree that only a few of them actually fit Tuntreets (even the most tolerant) readers. This decision stands as a good description in itself.
You are a comfortable conversation partner, and a cup of coffee with you can save a whole week. With heavy hearts, we waved farewell to your moving load when you decided to move. Although the shock was immense, we have realized that you haven’t left for good. You are still a natural part of our big gang, and we welcome you to our humble abode whenever you want.
xoxoxo
Dear Thomas!
Ever since we met you on your nach the first night in Ås in 2017, you’ve been a constant source of good vibes! We’ve seen you become a fulfilled version of yourself. Your forthcomingness impresses everyone, and you’re a fascinating blend of clever and madly chaotic. The one moment you are shrouded by mystery, listening to jazz with a book in your hand, and the next moment you are rescued by the Red Cross before even getting into Samfunnet. To be your friend is never boring.
Your spirit and energy are vast whatever it is directed upon: cheese, nach, poems, local events, flutes, undressing or rummaging through the rubbish. We are fortunate to be able to call ourselves your friends<3 You have to search high and low to be able to find a more sexy person.
Lots of hugs from Marie and Linnea
Thomas o Thomas.
You are like a big cowboy emoji, suitable in all occasions, but nobody knows what it means. With your “hey baby» and «babycakes», one would think you were slightly cowboy too.
Our friendship prospered by rubbish, and what a pile it was. We have been through so much, everything from Eldorado at Rema 1000 to playing hide-and-seek with Securitas.
As weeds, our friendship has a tight grip and will not go away quickly. Stronger things than Roundup is required to break us up. Beneficial organisms may work.
You are the head of my mannequin, you light up and provide garbage wine. Dressed like a gentleman, but also like a queen; from time to time, only in your underwear.I look forward to witnessing the autumn of the promiscuous.
Trashy regards from your dyslectic.
