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Peter Sinclair died yesterday, after many days in hospital with covid-19. It's a heavy blow. Peter was an inspirational economics teacher and a wonderfully kind man. 1/
Peter inspired a generation of great economists and economics journalists, including Dave Ramdsen (long time head of the Government Economic Service), @DianeCoyle1859 and @CamCavendish. He also taught @David_Cameron. 2/
I'm envious of all of them because Peter left for Birmingham University before I had the chance to have the full benefit of his teaching. My loss, Birmingham students' gain. But even in a few short months he had a profound influence on me. 3/
When I was floundering in my Oxford entrance interviews - I hadn't got a clue what was going on as I was being grilled by the formidable philosophy tutor - Peter was the one beaming and nodding and encouraging, as though everything was going brilliantly. 4/
And when I decided to drop economics and specialise in philosophy, Peter took the trouble to send a long, handwritten letter, full of encouragement, gently suggesting that I reconsider. I remember it vividly. I took his advice. It changed my life. 5/
Peter had many friends, and went to great lengths to keep in touch with and support his former students. They will all be grieving today. My thoughts are very much with his family and close friends. 6/
I bumped into him on the street a couple of years ago. He was smiling, bobbing around, waving enthusiastically, behaving as though there was nobody in the world he'd rather see. That extravagant friendliness was so very like him. It is how I'll remember him. 7/
Here's a lovely tribute from @DianeCoyle1859 , one of Peter's many brilliant students. I had forgotten his love of languages! He would try a few words in Mandarin, Swahili, Russian, Finnish, anything to make a connection with students. 8/
http://www.enlightenmenteconomics.com/blog/index.php/2020/04/peter-sinclair/
http://www.enlightenmenteconomics.com/blog/index.php/2020/04/peter-sinclair/
I've put these tweets together: http://timharford.com/2020/04/remembering-peter-sinclair/
Thanks to everyone who has sent thoughtful messages.
It's not only a virus that can spread. A great teacher such as Peter can inspire others to teach. A kind act sparks many other kind acts.
Be safe, all. 9/
Thanks to everyone who has sent thoughtful messages.
It's not only a virus that can spread. A great teacher such as Peter can inspire others to teach. A kind act sparks many other kind acts.
Be safe, all. 9/
The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11301310/david-cameron-pays-tribute-mentor-died-coronavirus/
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The University of Birmingham has opened a book of condolences: https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/social-sciences/peter-sinclair.aspx 11/
