In 1962, Jean defended his thesis on Aristotle and became a Doctor of Philosophy “maxima cum laude”*. It was happiness, the subject of his thesis, that had intrigued him in his years of research, a term he defined and continues to define as “loving and being loved”. He still holds this idea dear today, but before bringing it to life by founding L’Arche and then Faith & Light, he discovered he had other talents.

With his thesis having made its way to Canada, Jean was invited to teach philosophy at St. Michael’s College in Toronto. He found he could captivate his audience, an important ability that would serve him for the rest of his life. Still today, his gift as a genuine speaker allows him to touch many people, to communicate his vision of life at countless conferences and retreats.