Title

Down To The Bone: The Essential Thinking And Productivity Of Professor Phillip Tobias, Eminent Paleoanthropologist From South Africa

Keywords

Creative productivity; eminent individuals; human evolution; paleoanthrology

Abstract

Eminent individuals have made significant contributions to their fields that have impacted on fundamental knowledge and practices around the world, a description that aptly describes the world-known South African paleoanthropologist and scientist, Professor Phillip Tobias. This article presents evidence from his early childhood and schooling that demonstrated his creative writing, extensive independent study, advanced achievement, autonomous research and leadership positions that characterized his range of gifted abilities. It also describes characteristics typical of the family backgrounds of research on eminent individuals and core aspects of his personality, including his humor and humility. As a core scientist who sought to uncover fossil evidence for human evolution, he was instrumental in early studies of Khoisan and Tonga ethnic communities, investigations and documentation of Australopithecus africanus and early hominids. His academic and cultural legacies are depicted in his wide interests: his love of creative writing, teaching, and research and the search for truth and social justice.

Publication Date

5-1-2014

Publication Title

Gifted Education International

Volume

30

Issue

2

Number of Pages

177-188

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/0261429413485400

Socpus ID

85107347808 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85107347808

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