An Anthropological Odyssey

My anthropological experience may be described as a long and inspiring journey across the seas of the human condition. I have always been struck by what I call the paradox of human reality: Born to live, we are destined to die; ready to enjoy life, we must struggle to avoid discomfort and disease; conscious of individuality, we are still unavoidably bound from birth to a social group; claiming to be equal, we nevertheless differ both as individuals and groups.

Whenever it seemed I had a comprehensive view of human nature, I was led to a reorienting perspective. I regret none of the various phases of my long journey. Each has contributed to the evolution of my anthropological approach to reality. The reverse is also true: My anthropological perspective has often brought changes in my life’s route. Indeed, the study of anthropology, which revealed the essence of the human condition, decisively led me to change my social and professional stations. I left the Catholic priesthood and its missionary activity, dedicating myself fully to the study of anthropology