Leakey, Richard (1944–)

The idea that humans gradually evolved from a fragile habitat of apelike creatures in Africa to bipedal, technological masters of the world has become an important—if not always accepted—part of defining modern society and culture. Although Darwin spoke of the descent of man, Richard Leakey—the son of the famous paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey—popularized the idea of human origins through his groundbreaking discoveries, his bestselling books, and his masterful melding of popular writing with scientific rigor.

While being raised in Africa by the world-famous Leakeys as they searched for hominid bones in the Olduvai Gorge in Kenya, Richard developed a keen interest in East Africa's diverse wildlife. His interest in wildlife and his passion for environmental preservation did not stop as he delved into paleoanthropology. His book People of the Lake, written with Roger Lewin in 1978, became a sensation as its conclusions about human nature impacted the arguments of several social movements in America.

The accessibility of Richard Leakey and Roger Lewin's work enhanced the understanding of evolution in the popular mind and opened the door for further studies of evolution in schools. He made other famous discoveries in 1984–85: the Turkana Boy, a nearly complete Homo erectus skeleton, and WT17000, the first nearly complete skull of the Australopithecus aethiopicus. These and other discoveries were outlined in his more recent book, also written with Roger Lewin: Origins Reconsidered: In Search of What Makes Us Human.

From 1989–94 Richard led the Kenyan Wildlife Service and successfully combated the poaching of rhinos and elephants. His keen understanding of environmental issues and the fragile balance between humanity and its environment lead him further into environmental politics. He was elected in 1997 to a seat in the Kenyan Parliament and was a leader in the opposition party Safina.

Maeve, Richard's wife, continues to research in paleoanthropology and recently described two new species of human. Louise, the granddaughter of Louis and Mary, is also engaged in paleoanthropology and has recently made her own discoveries. Over three generations the Leakeys have pointed a spotlight on human origins, compelling us to consider the fragile balance between our natural origins in the environment and our own humanity. They have become the most famous family in paleoanthropology, if not modern science.