I was saddened to learn this week of the death of a former teacher of mine: Stephen H. Daniel, professor emeritus of philosophy at Texas A&M. There was a brief period in my life as an undergraduate when I thought that I might become a philosopher. I was interested enough to complete a philosophy MA, but my true vocation became clear when my required thesis turned out to be much more history than philosophy.
Thankfully, I had Steve. A historian of philosophy as well as a gifted teacher, he agreed to advise my thesis and did so with his characteristic energy, gentleness, and constant good cheer. I was touched when he and his wife Breaux came to a talk I returned to give, as a historian, at my alma mater a few years ago. He remains in my memory as a model of someone totally comfortable in his own skin, a scholar who pursued his passions and interests in a way that let his students know that they could do that, too.
I can still remember a photo Dr. D always had hanging on his office door, showing him on one of his many whitewater kayaking adventures. I cannot remember the caption exactly, but it was something along the lines of: “To live well is the sweetest revenge.” Steve lived well. May he rest in peace.
