The Remarkable Life of Edgar Morin and His Beloved Sabah Abouessalam
The renowned sociologist Edgar Morin passed away on Friday, May 29, at the remarkable age of 104. This extraordinary longevity can be attributed to a fundamental pillar in his life: his last wife, Moroccan Sabah Abouessalam, who has been an indispensable source of support and vitality in his later years. Married since 2012, Sabah, a 67-year-old urban sociologist who became a naturalized French citizen, played a crucial role in the daily life of the centenarian. As co-president of the foundation bearing her husband's name, she took personal responsibility for ensuring its smooth operation, making certain that his computer and phone were always within reach for his convenience.
This nurturing presence brought forth a deep affection in a man who had experienced three marriages throughout his life. In an interview with _Le Parisien_ in March 2025, conducted to mark the release of his final book, Morin shared that his secret to reaching such an advanced age lay simply in the "love of [his] wife." Such sentiments encapsulate the essence of their relationship, which was characterized by mutual respect and deep emotional connection.
A Life Well-Lived Between Paris and Marrakech
Morin's vitality also drew energy from his winter retreats to Marrakech, where he and Sabah escaped the dreariness of the French winter. This Moroccan haven offered a tranquil lifestyle that invigorated their spirits. From this pied-à-terre, the humanist maintained an undiminished thirst for knowledge, diligently keeping up with daily news and managing his correspondence, all under the proud gaze of his beloved wife. A resilient and passionate historian, he succinctly encapsulated his insatiable intellectual curiosity by stating, "In Paris or Marrakech, I have never ceased to be curious about the world of which I am but an atom." This profound love for life and learning serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Morin and Abouessalam.
As reported by bladi.net.
