What did Choong mean by trying to understand what it means to be human?

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Ron Choong's Quest to Understand the Human Condition Through Interdisciplinary Exploration

Ron Choong's endeavor to comprehend "what it means to be human" was characterized by a deliberate interdisciplinary approach, integrating academic study, extensive global travel, and personal reflection. This multifaceted pursuit involved delving into foundational questions concerning human existence, from our origins to the complexities of our minds. His research spanned diverse fields such as paleoanthropology, exploring human origins; cosmogony, examining the universe's beginnings; biogenesis, investigating the emergence of life; and neuroscience, dissecting brain function.
Field Research and Cultural Interpretation

To ground his theoretical studies, Choong engaged in extensive field research. He visited key archaeological sites in Africa, including Ethiopia, Morocco, Tanzania, and South Africa, as well as locations in Indonesia such as Java and Flores. These expeditions were crucial for understanding how early interpretations of human fossils were shaped by the religious assumptions prevalent in both the indigenous cultures and among the discoverers themselves. This direct engagement with the physical evidence of human history provided a tangible counterpoint to the extensive library research he also undertook, which reportedly comprised over 7,000 books.
Studying Primates and Ancient Civilizations

A significant component of Choong's research involved studying the behavior and biology of our closest genetic relatives. He conducted observations of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans in their natural habitats across Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kalimantan. This comparative biological study aimed to shed light on aspects of human nature by examining our primate cousins. Furthermore, his fascination with the trajectory of human societies led him to explore the historical heartlands of ancient civilizations, visiting countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, and Italy.
Tracing Historical Journeys and Cultural Exchange

Choong also embarked on journeys to retrace the routes of renowned historical travelers, seeking to understand the dynamics of cultural exchange and human connection across vast distances. He followed the paths of figures such as Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, and the Apostle Thomas along the Chinese and Indian Silk Roads. These expeditions were not without peril, as he himself noted that his travels often involved mishaps and injuries, contributing to his popular moniker, the "Malaysian Indiana Jones."

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What did Choong mean by trying to understand what it means to be human?

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