We've had another loss of a notable person... this time, neurologist Dr Oliver Sacks succumbed to cancer after a long, productive life.
Dr Sacks was one of the great popularizers of science- writing entertaining, accessible books, some of which were made into popular movies. My personal favorite book by him is Seeing Voices, a book about the development of sign languages and the rise of deaf culture. Dr Sacks had a knack for covering neurological topics in an approachable fashion, and his compassion was evident on every page.
We lost one of the good ones- anyone who is able to teach scientific concepts to lay persons is doing important work, and Dr Sacks was prolific. In a culture which seems to be sliding towards idiocracy, people like Dr Sacks are more important than ever- we are sadly diminished by his passing.
I'm listening to Nyman's "Man who mistook his wife" operetta, in remembrance.
ReplyDeleteThere are few scientists who can engage the interest of the general public in complex scientific issues. His 'ordinariness' made him one of the few. A great loss not only to science but to those who have lost a spokesperson.
ReplyDeleteWell he was a fine man who can be proud of his time on earth.
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