Explorer Enthralls Audience at MKA with Journey through the Ethnosphere

A large audience in The Montclair Kimberley Academy Auditorium was treated to an intense, fascinating, whirlwind tour of the ethnosphere as National Geographic Explorer in Residence Wade Davis explained "Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in a Modern World".

As this remarkable anthropologist, explorer, author, film-maker and award-winning photographer moved from the cultures of Polynesia to the Amazon, from the Andes to Haiti, and from Aboriginal Dreamtime to Tibetan Buddhist enlightenment, the inherent connectedness of human society and the awe-inspiring spirit of the human species was made evident.  Davis's extraordinary first-hand experiences of living with some of the world's most remote societies came alive through his lyrical story telling and stunning photography.  "Other peoples are not failed attempts at being us," he constantly reminded his audience,  "we should all benefit from the genius of modality."  And while western society bears the brunt of responsibility for the destruction of so many of these cultures, Davis left his audience with hope; believing that it is not change in itself that threatens cultures, but rather power and acts of humanity – issues and actions that can be solved and changed.  "There are other ways of thinking and being," he concluded "and everyone of us is capable of finding a new dream."

Davis's visit, sponsored by The Parents' Association of The Montclair Kimberley Academy, was part of PAMKA's Academy Forum public lecture series.  Earlier in the day, Davis visited with MKA Upper School Environmental Science and Political Science classes and 8th grade Spanish classes.  "We were so fortunate to have someone with such a wealth of knowledge of world cultures visit our school," said Middle School Assistant Head of Campus Boni Luna, "our students were able to hear about the relevance and importance of learning languages in a way that was truly inspirational."