Last Lecture
Last Lectures
Tales from the Dogon
February 3rd, 2010
On Wednesday February 3rd 2010, Professor W.E.A. van Beek spoke about his passions as and shared his wisdom to all who came to lecture hall DZ1 in the Dante Building of the Humanities Faculty at Tilburg University.
During the lecture Professor van Beek gave the audience a glimpse into his life story as an anthropologist who permanently (though not continuously) lived in Mali studying the Dogon tribe.
His tale consisted of a deep attachment and connection to the Dogon through his time spent there. As the narrative progressed, professor van Beek accounted for a wide array of deeply inspirational details of his life stretching from lasting life lessons, acquired from his experiences, as well as tragic accounts of one of his family member’s affliction of cancer.
With his witty remarks, interesting stories and boastful stage presence, it was a pleasure to be one of the spectators to witness such an intimate narrative told by a man with such a unique story-telling ability.
Professor van Beek departed with one essential piece of advice gained through his personal life experiences. As a result of living ‘parallel lives’ in the Netherlands and in Mali, professor van Beek advised that one must strive to ‘collapsing distances’, in whichever form they are relevant to the respective individual. Only then can one create true unity in ones life.
For more information on Professor W.E.A van Beek
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