On Science Friday, Richard Leakey discusses creationist views and anthropological fieldwork in Africa:
Dr. LEAKEY: That's exactly the attitude. And so, thus far, it's been beneficial, if you like.
You can dig for bones as much as you want in the remote rift, just don't introduce your findings into the science syllabus.
Dr. LEAKEY: ..... In fact, there are very few African leaders who believe in human evolution and science.
FLATOW: Is that right?
Dr. LEAKEY: And it's very, very worrying, because Africa's problems will only be resolved by African scientists working on those problems. And if we don't teach science from early on, we're not going to get out of this hole, because nobody is going to pull us out of the hole, because they're in one themselves.
FLATOW: Does it make it hard to excavate in these African countries if they don't believe?
Dr. LEAKEY: Funny enough, it doesn't. Because if they don't believe we're looking for human ancestors, they don't care what you're doing.
FLATOW: What an interesting answer.
(Soundbite of Laughter)
FLATOW: You could be digging on the moon for...
Dr. LEAKEY: Exactly. For something else.
FLATOW: ...for - because of - we don't - whatever you find is not going to prove what you think it's going to prove.
You can dig for bones as much as you want in the remote rift, just don't introduce your findings into the science syllabus.
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