As an undergraduate, I had an opportunity to go on a number of archeological digs. So I had experience excavating, digging up remains of ancient Indian villages in the Midwest and in the Southwest.

One has to devote oneself to a particular pursuit. To be successful at anything, you have to make a total commitment to it.

My real father died when I was two years old, so I never knew him. He was a barber in Chicago.

One has to take initiative in life to achieve what he or she wants.

Commitment, belief and positive attitude are all important if you're going to be a success, whether you're in sports, in business or, as in my case, anthropology.

There have been some friendships lost over this. That's the most difficult for me. I find it very uncomfortable to know that I was at one time close friends with someone, and because of jealousies and misunderstandings and so on, these friendships have dissolved.

Scientists are very afraid of being proven wrong.