With the passing of Oscar Niemeyer, I keep coming back to this quote:
“Life is very fleeting. It’s important to be gentle and optimistic. We look behind and think what we’ve done in this life has been good. It was simple; it was modest. Everyone creates their own story and moves on. That’s it. I don’t feel particularly important.”
— Tom Dyckhoff, “Why Oscar Niemeyer is king of curves”, The Times Online (London, 2007-12-12)
Here was a man whose work changed the skyline of a nation, who created bold, iconic forms, and yet – he understood the fleeting nature of life. This perspective, that life’s value is found in simplicity and modesty, in quietly creating one’s own story, reminds me that impact doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. Niemeyer’s legacy lives on in his curves and in the inspiration he leaves behind, a testament to a life thoughtfully and beautifully lived.