National Geo Explorer’s Work ‘A Gesture of Heroism'

Brunswick welcomed Wade Davis —  a professor of anthropology and the BC Leadership chair in cultures and ecosystems at risk at the University of British Columbia, explorer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society, and member of the NGS Explorers Council — to the Upper School on Wednesday, January 3.

 

Davis, author of 300 articles for popular and scientific journals and 20 books, is also honorary vice-president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

 

Davis showed photographs and told stories about his anthropological mission — one that has taken him all over the world and into the day-to-day lives of people from a number of indigenous cultures, including Polynesian sailors voyaging on the Pacific.  

 

“My mission is to try to change how the world views and values culture,” Davis said. “I do it through narrative and storytelling.

 

“Here’s the important thing: If we all share the same genetic endowment, then we all share the same genius. And how that genius is expressed is simply a matter of choice. There is no hierarchy of culture.

 

“The great lesson of anthropology is that every culture has something to say and that each deserves to be heard.”

 

Davis also discussed the importance of scientific research.  

 

“The nature of scientific research is an unfolding journey where one revelation leads to another level of inquiry,” he said. “And the solution to that mystery takes you ever deeper. You have to be prepared to challenge orthodox.

 

“That’s where the frontier of science lies. It’s a gesture of heroism and courage — whether in the lab or in the field.”