We lost Seymour Papert but he still lives in our heads, hearts and hands…
My heart is aching.
Seymour was my inspiration and guide. He trusted me in bringing his work to a wider audience in the world and allowed me to make my work meaningful.
He created so many opportunities for teachers and students, the ripple effect of his teaching cannot be measured.
I still remember vividly the first meeting at the Media Lab in February 1993 arranged by Jacqueline. It was a turning point in my life.
He honored me by accepting to serve on my advisory board when I created SEED.
Democratic access to cutting edge education, focusing on issues that matter for students, giving them what they need and letting them explore.
I think with joy and emotion of the SEED meetings we held at MIT where Seymour and Marvin Minsky would pop in and amaze us all with their brilliance and simplicity.
We lost part of him 10 years ago but every time we visited him in Maine with Jacqueline he looked well and happy to see us.
His presence will remain a guiding light of my work and of so many people he touched.
It is an honor to keep his legacy alive especially in the darkest parts of the world where it is most needed.
As I am writing this I hear on the radio Pavarotti singing Ave Maria of Schubert. How appropriate.
May we continue to work together as Seymour’s community to make the necessary changes that will bring opportunities and peace in the world.
-Simone Amber
MIT Media Lab – In Memory: Seymour Papert
Seymour Papert, whose ideas and inventions transformed how millions of children around the world create and learn, died Sunday, July 31, 2016 at his home in East Blue Hill, Maine. He was 88.
