Teilhard de Chardin, Pierre (1881–1955)

French Jesuit theologian, palaeontologist, and philosopher. He developed a creative synthesis of nature and religion, based on his fieldwork and fossil studies. Publication of his Le Phénomène humain/The Phenomenon of Man, written 1938–40, was delayed (owing to his unorthodox views) until after his death by the embargo of his superiors. He saw humanity as being in a constant process of evolution, moving towards a perfect spiritual state.