David Suzuki: The Autobiography

This book, written in 2006 is David Suzuki's autobiography, the 43rd book written by the prolific scientist, author, philosopher and television personality.  In Canada he has a position that is similar to that of David Attenborough the British face of nature television.  Unfortunately, the US does not have a similar voice and program.  It is our loss.  It is also unfortunate that we know so little about Suzuki.  

In my graduate course - History of the Environment, I often have to challenge my students - teachers and naturalists to see beyond the US for leaders and important representatives of our Earth conscious society members.  It is important because it is part of our recognition of the planet as a whole and not just the geo/economic/political domination of the United States.

Suzuki spent a portion of his childhood in the concentration camp for Japenese citizens that were created during WWII both in the US and Canada.  These terrible racist congregations did more than isolate the Japanese, they were part of an effort that denied them the rights of citizenship and took away their own, well earned, homes and possession.  But Suzuki does not dwell on the injustice - instead he shows how he grew from that experience through the help of his dad and First Nation elders to see the beauty of nature and the world became his focus.  

He was proud of his Canadian citizenship and the childhood trauma did not change that.  But he did develop a stronger relationship to the Country through his connection with First Nation people and that would stay with him in TV and print.  

His days as a scientists were fulfilling and he loved it, but soon found that his ability to translate science for the general public was his most effective way of achieving his goals of promoting science and then of caring for the earth.  He was an activist broadcaster and often made personal commitments to the issues and people he interviewed that went far beyond what he could present on his programs.

His growing celebrity and development of the David Suzuki Foundation allowed him to have impacts in Brazil, Australia, and Papau New Guinea as well as in Canada.  The story of these issues, his work with them and the personal growth as a father, husband, and elder are important and pleasurable reading.