Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955)

Letters from a Traveller is a collection of the letters of the Jesuit paleontologist Pere Teilhard de Chardin. His fascinating letters prove what can happen when a brilliant mind is united with a warm heart. His explorations in several parts of the world, but primarily in China, furthered understanding of the age and development of the earth’s geology and the development of man. His ideas were not well received by the church thus his apparent exile to out of the way parts of the world. The development of his ideas of reconciling religion with science rattled a few Vatican cages. After WWII began in Europe but prior to the opening of the Pacific theater he requested that he be allowed to an attend a scientific conference in New York. That request was denied stranding him in China for seven years. With the Japanese occupation his work ground to a near halt. His anxiety about the uncertainty of the situation was palpable in his letters. Shortly after he finally made it home to France he promptly had a heart attack. Although he recovered, he had lost some vigor as well as many opportunities and discoveries were lost or destroyed in the ensuing chaos.This is a fascinating read that gives insight into one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century.… (more)