Wade Davis has been described as "a rare combination of scientist, scholar, poet and passionate defender of all of life's diversity," an ethnographer, writer, photographer, and filmmaker, he holds degrees in anthropology and biology, and received his Ph.D. in ethno botany - all from Harvard University.
In recent years his research efforts have taken him to East Africa, Tibet, Polynesia, Mali, Equatorial West Africa, New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Canadian Arctic Nunavut and Greenland. He is the author of ten books, including The Serpent and the Rainbow, One River and Light at the Edge of the World.
Specially hosted by National Geograpgic in Taiwan at the Eslite Bookstore's flagstore in downtown Taipei, the three-hour dialogue took place in the videoconference room.
Issues such as global warming, culture loss, conflict prevention and religious practice in Buddhism were touched on, under the lead of nationwide famous journalist, Ms. Sisy Chen. Many honorable guests also attended, including Venerable Guo Dong, the Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), Chen Jianan, the President of DDM’s General Association of Dharma Upholders as well as DDM’s Venerables.
The doctor surprised the audience by admitting he was a Buddhist and said although he had traveled the world so extensively over the years, this was his first time visiting Taiwan. He also said he was greatly delighted at having the wonderful opportunity to meet with the internationally recognized Chan master, Venerable Master Sheng Yen, known for spiritual enlightenment on critical issues facing the human race.
