When I look back after more than 30 years of higher education, a few intellectual heroes stand out. All are from the Western scientific and philosophical tradition, the only tradition I know enough about to make good judgments.

Heroes from the past include: Voltaire, Marcus Aurelius, Hobbes, Spinoza, Piaget, Einstein, Twain, Julian Huxley, and H.L. Menchen. Some of those living today who have particularly influenced me include: Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Michael Shermer.

Among the most important influences are: Bertrand Russell, surely one of the great freethinkers ever; Carl Sagan, who nurtured my love of science many years ago; Will Durant, whose personal dignity shines like in beacon in the 20th century;. and E. O. Wilson, who taught me that the evolutionary epic is the greatest story we will ever have, and that humankind must decide where they want this drama to lead. Finally, the analytical mind of William Charron and the synthetic mind of Richard Blackwell have had a most profound influence. They all contributed immensly to my education.

But perhaps two men of the highest moral and intellectual virtue shine above all others in my intellectual life and have influenced me most deeply, Hume and Darwin.

David Hume - Nobody followed their thinking to its logical conclusions better than Hume. The modern world needs his skepticism and fearless reasoning. This was an honest and courageous man who, nevertheless, did not take himself too seriously. I still hear his words: "be a philosopher, but be still a man."

Charles Darwin - Here was a kind and gentle man--a good father and husband--yet he may have been the most important person who has yet lived. His theories are unchallenged among the intelligentia, and apply to everything from the cell to the cosmos. Only after understanding Darwin is one truly awake.

JGM - May 2006