NWR: RIP Oliver Sacks

[MLipton]

In case you haven't seen his obit, Oliver Sacks, the neurologist and author died over the weekend at age 82. I was a big fan of many of his written works, but one small book in particular is the reason for this post, Oaxaca Journal, a very short account of his travels in the state of Oaxaca in search of ferns. It is a charming book, and when I'd finished reading it I had a back-and-forth with SFJoe about it because of our shared love for the region, its culture and its cuisine. He of course had already read it, and had gone mushroom hunting there in the not-too-distant past, so we had plenty to talk about (my most memorable souvenir from a visit there in '69 was the hepatitis virus, which stayed with me for the next 6 months).

Mark Lipton

 

[Ian Fitzsimmons]

My son and I have been listening to Sacks recently in a series of Radiolab podcasts on chemistry and other subjects. My son was upset to learn of his death; me, not so much: he lived a full, interesting life, and seemed at peace with things in general shortly before his passage. I've enjoyed Sacks's childhood autobiography, among other written work. A good man whose works and spirit will live on in many hearts and minds.

 

[Vincent Fritzsche]

Those Radiolab episodes are terrific. Was listening to them as I cleaned and stacked barrels the other day. What an incredible mind and spirit he had.

 

[Chris Coad]

Lisa went into neurology mostly, I think, because she was a longtime fan of Dr. Sacks and his writing. He will be missed, sorely.

 

[Ian Fitzsimmons]

originally posted by Vincent Fritzsche:
Those Radiolab episodes are terrific. Was listening to them as I cleaned and stacked barrels the other day. What an incredible mind and spirit he had.

Not to drift from the thread topic, but they've been a gift for my son and me: I see his early interest in science re-awakening from day to day.

Sacks's story is something to celebrate imho. After reading daily in the news about all the wretched ways lives can end up, his shows what can be managed in this mortal vale, with some luck and wit.