At 104, Philosopher Edgar Morin Credits Love for His Longevity

At almost (July) 104 years old, Edgar Morin appears younger than his age. When questioned by Le Parisien, whom he received in his villa in Marrakech where he lives a few months a year, about his secret of youth, he answers the question without mincing words: "It’s the love of my wife." His wife is Sabah Abouessalam, soon to be 65, an urban sociologist. She is the co-president with her husband of the Edgar Morin Foundation. The Moroccan is considered the guardian of the temple. "It’s also her who makes sure his phone and computer are always within reach," reports the Parisian newspaper. The couple has been living together for over 15 years.

"In Paris or in Marrakech, I have never ceased to be curious about the world of which I am an atom," confides Morin. "He is incredible, he reads the press every day, he writes, he answers messages," his wife reiterated. "I live with the man who carries the world on his shoulders!" Edgar and Sabah have a deep and lasting affection for each other.

At 104 years old, the French philosopher is closer to departure than arrival. If he dies, he would like people to remember his qualities. "The important thing is love and friendship, it is benevolence and understanding of others. These are unfortunately minority qualities in man, but they are fundamental. For when they are lacking, we are blind, we are petty, we are awful."

The philosopher and sociologist recently published "Are there Lessons from History?", a short essay in which he takes humans on the great journey of humanity. For Morin, "the important thing is love and friendship, it is benevolence and understanding of others. When these qualities are lacking, we are blind, we are petty, we are awful".