In 1966, nine years after his death, a short paper was published entitled Je m'explique (Let me explain) the original draft of which Teilhard had made in 1948. In it he had mapped out what he considered were the essential stages and directions of his thinking.

Basing this present book on the structure originally outlined by Teilhard, and by a carefully considered selection of passages from Teilhard’s most seminal works, Dr Demoulin has produced this synthesis of the philosopher’s thinking. It is intended as a helpful guide for anyone wishing to study de Chardin in greater detail.