Of all places, I was first directed to Teilhard de Chardin by a reference thereto in a work of Joseph Ratzinger (later known as Pope Benedict XVI). Given my general interest in the biological sciences as well as anthropology, I decided to investigate this matter. I am ever so thankful that I took that step into The Phenomenon of Man. Teilhard's work is a beautiful synthesis of paleontology, philosophy, and even theology, standing as a beacon to the members of all three branches of knowledge. It is a testimony to the greatness of his work that it still influences the Pope to this very day, who used evolutionary language to discuss the resurrection, a concept no doubt influenced by Teilhard's work.
The general path of this text is an investigation into the development of consciousness within creation. This is done in light that consciousness must be latent in creation in order for it to exist at all within the context of evolution. It is furthermore acknowledged by the findings of relativity which point to the fact that the various spheres of the physical world are not separate but related, although only slightly at slow speeds. So too must consciousness not be fully unknown within the earlier forms of life, although it may have had much less influence on the activity of that life.
The narrative itself is translated well and is readable without a great deal of difficulty. I must say that the author is a bit overly-flowery at times. However, just as I began to become vexed with this floweriness, I would hit passages which were such stunning expositions of his thesis that I would nearly have chills. Teilhard was the first person to ever make almost cry over the final jump to reflection found in the simian branch of the tree of life.
His other, just as important, theme is that of complexification. The author puts forth the justifiable analysis of the unitive aspect of creation. The groping of life comes to be only by the unification of atomic units. This remains his theme and ultimately drives his theories for a united humanity, particularly in his views with respect to Christ. While his ideas here are somewhat radical, they are not as unorthodox as they appear to many at a quick glance. Instead, his work is an affirmation that Christ has pushed the evolutionary trend to its Omega point, a point which must in all actuality autonomously exist.
The problem of pain is relatively unaddressed in this text and remains a reason for the Church's wariness with the work. I think that he handles it well enough, passing the torch to theologians, acknowledging his own shortfalls in developing this theme.
The Phenomenon of Man is a gigantic step in a beautiful understanding of the person, world, and God. Although it is not a complete breeze of a read, it is most definitely well worth the time to read it. I put off reading it for far too long and do not suggest that you do the same. I heartily suggest it to you if you have any interest in human evolution, the birth and deployment of consciousness, or any inkling of theological/philosophical interest.
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Top reviews from other countries
- dimitris mavrokefalosReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2017
A groundbreaking book from a rare intellectual whose ideas were as contagious as his message
