In "The Lost World," Michael Crichton presents the character of Professor Thorne, who is well-liked among his students and champions a broad-based education. Despite his popularity, Thorne faces challenges as academia increasingly prioritizes specialization over general knowledge, resulting in complicated jargon that alienates many students.

This shift towards specialization reveals a tension within the educational landscape, as Thorne's advocacy for a more inclusive, generalist approach sets him apart from the prevailing trends. His struggle symbolizes the broader conflict between accessibility in education and the growing focus on narrow expertise.