Another noted visitor...
He spoke, with some degree of aplomb, about why he believed in the theory of evolution and why in his opinion this did not conflict with his strict Anglican upbringing. He reminded us that although there are millions of species known to be living today, this is just a small fraction of the total that have ever existed and are now extinct and that man is not immune from the same fate. Skirting controversy he mentioned his concerns for the environment based on his work in the conservation field, but he also gave many examples of why we have reason to be very optimistic.
The man possesses a dry sense of humor which kept the audience chuckling. A question from the audience asked "do you think that even though the Neanderthal's had become extinct, did their DNA continue on with modern man"? Leakey's quick answer was priceless.
And coming next September........Ben Stein.
Update: Having never been shy about contacting people by email, I sent a short note off to Ben Stein telling him how excited we were about his upcoming visit, adding that appearing after the world's most formidable paleoanthropologist would be a tough act to follow. I shortly received a pleasant and humerous note back from Ben saying that this had been his lifelong fear but that he would do his best.
 | Saturday we heard one of the most preeminent aviators in the world speak. Tonight Midland hosted the most noted paleoanthropologist living today. Dr. Richard Leakey was in town to speak at our college's semi-annual lecture series, his topic being "Why our origins matter". Leakey led us through his adventure filled life including a stint at, in effect, running the government of Kenya and how he went from high school drop out to being listed as one of Time Magazines "100 Greatest Minds of the 20th Century". |
He spoke, with some degree of aplomb, about why he believed in the theory of evolution and why in his opinion this did not conflict with his strict Anglican upbringing. He reminded us that although there are millions of species known to be living today, this is just a small fraction of the total that have ever existed and are now extinct and that man is not immune from the same fate. Skirting controversy he mentioned his concerns for the environment based on his work in the conservation field, but he also gave many examples of why we have reason to be very optimistic.
The man possesses a dry sense of humor which kept the audience chuckling. A question from the audience asked "do you think that even though the Neanderthal's had become extinct, did their DNA continue on with modern man"? Leakey's quick answer was priceless.
"The answer to that is Yes and No"It was quite an evening. And I'm grateful to our friends, the Davidsons, for funding this lecture series which began in 1997 and several times a year since has brought such notables as David McCullough, Ken Burns, Shelby Foote, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Mark Russell, Bill Moyers, David Brooks, Marvin Hamlish and Bob Newhart to regale and entertain us. The Davidson Family Charitable Foundation sponsors this lecture series which is available free to all citizens who wish to attend.
"When I am at home the answer is no"
"When I'm walking through Heathrow Airport, the answer is yes"
And coming next September........Ben Stein.
Update: Having never been shy about contacting people by email, I sent a short note off to Ben Stein telling him how excited we were about his upcoming visit, adding that appearing after the world's most formidable paleoanthropologist would be a tough act to follow. I shortly received a pleasant and humerous note back from Ben saying that this had been his lifelong fear but that he would do his best.
