John Goddard One of the most outstanding people in California Country: USA

Biography of John Goddard

John Goddard is one of the most remarkable individuals in California. He has faced airplane crashes, earthquakes, and even came close to drowning twice while rafting on rivers. However, danger never stopped him from pursuing knowledge and achieving the goals on his youthful bucket list. At the age of fifteen, he wrote a list of 127 goals that he wanted to accomplish in his lifetime. Among them were exploring the Nile, climbing Mount Everest, setting a record by running a mile in five minutes, and even learning to play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano. Now, over eighty years later, he has achieved 109 of those goals and has an impressive list of accomplishments.

First, Goddard became the first person in history to explore the entire length of the Nile, a 4,160-mile expedition that the Los Angeles Times deemed "the most amazing adventure of a generation." He also became the first person to explore the entire Congo River, in accordance with his goal list. He reached the summit of the Matterhorn in a snowstorm, when several companions declined to follow him. As a civilian pilot, he set numerous records, including a speed record of 1,500 miles per hour in an F-111 fighter-bomber and an altitude record of 63,000 feet in a Delta Dart F-106 interceptor.

Goddard holds a degree in anthropology and psychology from the University of Southern California and has studied unknown cultures and settlements in all regions of the world. He has climbed twelve of the world's highest mountains, embarked on expeditions to fourteen of the most remote parts of the planet, crossed fifteen of the most dangerous rivers, visited 120 countries, documented 260 primitive tribes, and traveled over one million miles. Living in California with his wife and two of their six children, John Goddard pursues adventures not for the thrill, but to achieve the ultimate goal of scientific exploration and expanding the world's knowledge. "Exploration is the real challenge," Goddard says, reflecting on his career. "Adventure is very exciting, but it is a secondary goal."

During his explorations, Goddard has encountered numerous life-threatening situations. He has been bitten by a venomous snake, attacked by an elephant, and trapped in quicksand. He has survived airplane crashes, earthquakes, and nearly drowning while rafting. However, danger never deterred him from his path to knowledge and the accomplishment of his youthful goals.

Recognized by the Small Business Chamber as one of the most outstanding individuals in California, Goddard is a member of various scientific clubs and associations. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, the only American member of the French Explorers Society, and a member of the Archaeological Society. He is a lifetime member of the elite student club, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and a member of The Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles, where he was accepted at the youngest age of all members. He is also a member of The Adventurers' Club of Chicago, The Explorers' Club of New York, and others.