Toward the Future

by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, René Hague (Translator)

These essays derive from Teilhard's concern to reveal the true meaning of our age and to stimulate the "sense of man and sense of the Christian." The controversial essay "The Evolution of Chastity" was published here in its entirety for the first time. Foreword by N. M. Wildiers; Index. Translated by René Hague. A Helen and Kurt Wolff Book

Genres: Theology

228 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1975

About the author

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a French Jesuit priest, paleontologist, philosopher, mystic, and teacher whose life bridged science and spirituality in a unique synthesis that continues to inspire and provoke debate. Born into an intellectually and culturally rich family, with a father passionate about natural science and a mother whose lineage traced back to Voltaire, he was the fourth of eleven children and demonstrated early curiosity for geology, biology, and the natural world. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1899, studied literature and theology, and combined his religious vocation with an insatiable scientific drive, ultimately earning degrees in geology, zoology, and botany from the University of Paris. His early academic career included teaching physics and chemistry in Cairo and developing a strong foundation in paleontology, which later led him to China, where he collaborated with Émile Licent and others in geological surveys and excavations, most notably participating in the discovery of the Peking Man fossils at Zhoukoudian, which became a cornerstone of his reputation. Throughout his scientific work, Teilhard maintained a commitment to integrating evolutionary theory with Christian thought, producing essays and books that articulated a vision of the cosmos as a process of increasing complexity and consciousness, culminating in what he termed the Omega Point, a future unification of humanity and divinity. He served as a stretcher-bearer during World War I, receiving the Médaille militaire and the Legion of Honor, experiences that deepened both his spiritual reflections and his appreciation for human resilience. Despite repeated censorship and opposition from the Catholic Church, including prohibitions against publishing certain works and teaching assignments, he persisted in writing, producing influential works such as The Phenomenon of Man and The Divine Milieu, which attempted to reconcile scientific understanding, evolution, and the unfolding of divine purpose, offering a cosmic theology in which Christ is the unifying principle guiding the development of matter, life, and consciousness. His ideas on the noosphere, human evolution, and spiritual convergence provoked both admiration and criticism, drawing praise from thinkers such as Julian Huxley and Theodosius Dobzhansky for his visionary approach, while others, including Peter Medawar and Richard Dawkins, challenged the scientific rigor of his philosophical synthesis. Teilhard traveled extensively, conducting research across China, Central Asia, India, and Java, collaborating with leading paleontologists and geologists, and contributing to the broader understanding of human prehistory, archaeology, and geology. His writings emphasized the interdependence of material and spiritual evolution, positing that human consciousness and social cooperation are critical for continued development, and that evolution is inherently teleological, moving toward greater unity and complexity. Though controversies surrounding his work persisted during and after his lifetime, including debates over his involvement in the Piltdown Man discovery, thorough historical review and correspondence have largely vindicated him, demonstrating his integrity as a scientist and a thinker. Teilhard de Chardin’s legacy is that of a bridge between disciplines, a thinker whose vision of a spiritually and scientifically coherent universe continues to inspire theologians, scientists, and readers seeking to understand the interplay of faith, reason, and the unfolding story of humanity. He died in New York City in 1955, leaving behind a body of work that remains widely read and influential, reflecting a life devoted to exploring the convergence of human, cosmic, and divine evolution in a single, unified vision.

Reviews

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was one of the most forward-looking thinkers of the early twentieth century. Trained as a paleontologist and ordained a Jesuit priest, foresaw the time when scientific knowledge and religious knowledge would join together in an ecstasy of sorts that he termed the "Omega Point". This is arguably one of the greatest single ideas of twentieth century thought. If the book were rated solely on this point, it would definitely be a 5-star work.

However, reading Teilhard's book is a test of patience. For one thing, his several chapters of scientific commentary are woefully out of date -- one would do much better to read a 21st century exposition. More importantly, Teilhard's writing style is so turgid, fluffy and filled with hyperbole that it is very hard to understand what he is really saying.

Indeed, it is a great pity that such a great idea was couched in such a murky exposition.

[James Hecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times a nearly inaccessable attempt to merge the mysticism of faith to the reason of science. I actually enjoyed the book very much, however I can't think of too many people I know that would find it a captivating read.

There were many times I found humor, and there were also some ideas I considered quite original and intriguing. The book did make me feel at times that I was "in on" concepts and postulations that few others had or ever would consider.

It also caused me to have to find the meaning for several words I was unfamilar with. That is not something I have had to do in a very long time.

It was cool to learn some new vocab words :-) I think "parousia" was my favorite.

I will definatley read more of De Chardin, but I won't be recommending him to my friends.

[Sylvia Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small sampling of Teilhard de Chardin is a good intro to his fundamental thoughts and theories about humanity and religion in a transhistorical context. I find his writing very clear and concise; the translation is adequate. The most enjoyable essays were the shorter ones about the value of art in the future, and redefinitions of "christian" values like chastity. Good overall, but for more in-depth stuff, he has better books.

[Michael Romeo Talks Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but very difficult to read.