I met Dan Dennett during the first week of classes at Tufts University, in the Fall of 2003. I had just turned 23. At that point I’d have been living in the US for less than a month and was starting a master’s program in a language that wasn’t my own. I recall having to pre-play every conversation in my mind to make sure I wasn’t going to say something grammatically incorrect. I was so afraid of showing how poor my English was—I second-guessed every sentence I wanted to utter. Dennett’s office was on the right side of Miller Hall, toward the end of a hallway. I walked in slowly, mentally rehearsing every word. “Good afternoon, Dr. Dennett. My name is Felipe De Brigard.” No, I thought. I should probably call him “Professor”. “Good afternoon, Professor Dennett. My name is Felipe De Brigard.”
What a beautiful piece of writing Felipe. Thank you for sharing so much about your relationship. I never knew how generous he was as an advisor and a person. I’m so sorry for your loss of such a profound person in your life.
Extremely touching tribute. We should all be so lucky as to have met one person in our lives who makes such a lasting impact. Well said.
What a beautiful piece of writing Felipe. Thank you for sharing so much about your relationship. I never knew how generous he was as an advisor and a person. I’m so sorry for your loss of such a profound person in your life.