Edgar Morin (104) Challenges Time in Marrakech with Sabah Abouessalam
- A glimpse into the enduring wisdom and vibrant life of the French philosopher.
- Approaching his 104th birthday in July, Edgar Morin appears remarkably youthful.
- His wife, Sabah Abouessalam, soon to be 65, is an urban planning sociologist and co-president of the Fondation Edgar Morin.
Edgar Morin: love, Life, and Legacy at 104
Table of Contents
- Edgar Morin: love, Life, and Legacy at 104
- Edgar Morin: Insights into a Century of Wisdom, Love, and Legacy
- Who is Edgar Morin?
- What is Edgar Morin’s secret to a long and fulfilling life?
- what role does Sabah Abouessalam play in Edgar Morin’s life and work?
- How does Edgar Morin stay engaged with the world at 104?
- What does Edgar Morin consider the essence of humanity?
- What lessons does Edgar Morin draw from history?
- Key Aspects of Edgar Morin’s Life and beliefs
- Where does Edgar Morin spend his time?
- What are some of Edgar Morin’s notable contributions?
A glimpse into the enduring wisdom and vibrant life of the French philosopher.
The Secret to a Long and Fulfilling Life
Approaching his 104th birthday in July, Edgar Morin appears remarkably youthful. When asked by Le Parisien at his Marrakech villa, where he spends several months each year, about his secret to longevity, he offered a simple yet profound answer: “C’est l’amour de ma femme” (“its the love of my wife”).
His wife, Sabah Abouessalam, soon to be 65, is an urban planning sociologist and co-president of the Fondation Edgar Morin. Considered the guardian of his legacy, “C’est elle aussi qui veille à ce que son téléphone et son ordinateur soient toujours à portée de main” (“It is she who ensures that his phone and computer are always within reach”), according to Le Parisien. The couple has been together for over 15 years, sharing a deep and enduring affection.
A Life of Curiosity and Engagement
Morin remains deeply engaged with the world. “À Paris ou à Marrakech, je n’ai jamais cessé d’être curieux du monde dont je suis un atome” (“In Paris or Marrakech, I have never stopped being curious about the world of wich I am an atom”), Morin confides. his wife adds, “Il est incroyable, il lit la presse tous les jours, il écrit, répond aux messages” (“He is incredible, he reads the press every day, he writes, responds to messages”). She describes him as “Je vis avec l’homme qui porte le monde sur ses épaules!” (“I live with the man who carries the world on his shoulders!”).
The Essence of Humanity
At 104, the French philosopher reflects on what he hopes peopel will remember about him.”L’important, c’est l’amour et l’amitié, c’est la bienveillance et la compréhension d’autrui” (“The important thing is love and friendship, it is kindness and understanding of others”). He emphasizes that “Ce sont des qualités malheureusement minoritaires chez l’homme, mais elles sont fondamentales. Car quand elles nous manquent, nous sommes aveugles, nous sommes mesquins, nous sommes affreux” (“These are qualities unfortunately in the minority in man, but they are fundamental. Because when we lack them, we are blind, we are petty, we are awful”).
Lessons from History
Morin recently published “Y a-t-il des leçons de l’Histoire?” (“Are there lessons from History?”), a short essay that takes readers on a grand journey through human history. For Morin, “l’critically important, c’est l’amour et l’amitié, c’est la bienveillance et la compréhension d’autrui. Quand ces qualités nous manquent,nous sommes aveugles,nous sommes mesquins,nous sommes affreux” (“the important thing is love and friendship,it is kindness and understanding of others. When we lack these qualities, we are blind, we are petty, we are awful”).
Edgar Morin: Insights into a Century of Wisdom, Love, and Legacy
Edgar Morin, a prominent French philosopher and sociologist, celebrated his 103rd birthday in 2024. This Q&A-style article explores the secrets to his longevity, his views on humanity, and the essence of his enduring legacy.
Who is Edgar Morin?
Edgar Morin (born Edgar Nahoum on July 8,1921) is a french philosopher and sociologist renowned for his work on complexity and “complex thought.” He has made significant contributions to various fields, including media studies, politics, sociology, visual anthropology, and ecology.
What is Edgar Morin’s secret to a long and fulfilling life?
According to Morin, the secret lies in “l’amour de ma femme” (the love of my wife). He emphasizes the importance of love and curiosity as driving forces in his life, contributing to both his longevity and his continuous engagement with the world.
what role does Sabah Abouessalam play in Edgar Morin’s life and work?
Sabah Abouessalam, Morin’s wife, is an urban planning sociologist and co-president of the Fondation Edgar Morin. She is considered the guardian of his legacy. She ensures he remains connected and engaged by managing his communication and technology.
How does Edgar Morin stay engaged with the world at 104?
Morin remains deeply curious and actively involved. He reads the press daily, writes, and responds to messages from both his homes in Paris and Marrakech. According to his wife, Sabah Abouessalam, he carries the world on his shoulders through his constant engagement.
What does Edgar Morin consider the essence of humanity?
Morin believes that love, friendship, kindness, and understanding of others are fundamental to humanity. He argues that when these qualities are lacking, people become “blind, petty, and awful.” He considers these traits regrettably as minorities but are vital for a fulfilling human experience.
What lessons does Edgar Morin draw from history?
In his short essay,Y a-t-il des leçons de l’Histoire? (“Are ther lessons from History?”),Morin emphasizes the importance of love,friendship,kindness,and understanding of others.He reiterates that lacking these qualities leads to negative human behaviors.
Key Aspects of Edgar Morin’s Life and beliefs
| Aspect | Description |
| ———————- | —————————————————————————————————————- |
| Longevity Secret | Love and curiosity |
| Wife’s Role | Guardian of his legacy, manages communication and technology |
| Engagement | Reads daily press, writes, responds to messages, remains curious |
| Essence of Humanity | Love, friendship, kindness, and understanding of others |
| Historical Lessons | Importance of positive human qualities to avoid negative behaviors |
Where does Edgar Morin spend his time?
Edgar Morin divides his time between Paris and Marrakech, Morocco. He owns a villa in Marrakech where he spends several months each year.
What are some of Edgar Morin’s notable contributions?
Morin is widely recognized for his work on complexity and “complex thought”. his contributions span diverse fields like media studies, politics, sociology, visual anthropology, and ecology. He celebrated his 100th birthday in 2021 and has written more than 60 books.