Down to the bone

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.