René Lake pays tribute to his long-time friend, philosopher Moctar Diack, who was recently buried in Dakar. Lake reflects on Diack's intellectual prowess, his ability to embrace doubt, and his evolution from a leftist protester in the 1970s to a more detached observer. Diack's doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne on 19th-century French medical materialism is highlighted, along with his rationalist approach to transcending African specificity. Despite his significant contributions, Diack, like many of his generation, remains largely unrecognized in Senegalese history. Lake fondly recalls the many evenings spent with Diack in Paris and Dakar, where Diack's balcony served as a hub for leftist intellectuals. Lake expresses gratitude to Diack for his friendship and hopes that Senegal will one day fully acknowledge his contributions.

René Lake pays tribute to his long-time friend, philosopher Moctar Diack, who was recently buried in Dakar. Lake reflects on Diack's intellectual prowess, his ability to embrace doubt, and his evolution from a leftist protester in the 1970s to a more detached observer. Diack's doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne on 19th-century French medical materialism is highlighted, along with his rationalist approach to transcending African specificity. Despite his significant contributions, Diack, like many of his generation, remains largely unrecognized in Senegalese history. Lake fondly recalls the many evenings spent with Diack in Paris and Dakar, where Diack's balcony served as a hub for leftist intellectuals. Lake expresses gratitude to Diack for his friendship and hopes that Senegal will one day fully acknowledge his contributions.