A French economist and journalist who wrote about economics in an accessible way, making complex concepts understandable to a broad audience. He was also a columnist for Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine.
Bernard Maris, also known as Oncle Bernard, was a French economist, writer, and journalist who was brutally murdered during the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris on January 7, 2015. As a shareholder and contributor to the satirical magazine, Maris was a fierce advocate for freedom of expression and a prominent voice in French journalism.
Maris earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Toulouse I in 1975, with a thesis on the personal distribution of income and balanced growth. He went on to teach as an assistant professor and later as a senior lecturer at the University of Toulouse I, earning his full professorship in 1994.
In addition to his academic career, Maris was a prolific journalist, writing for various publications including Marianne, Le Nouvel Observateur, Le Figaro Magazine, and Le Monde. He was also a regular contributor to Charlie Hebdo, using the pen name Oncle Bernard, and served as the Deputy Editorial Director until 2008.
Maris was not only an accomplished economist but also a gifted teacher. He taught microeconomics at the University of Iowa in the United States and the Central Bank of Peru. His weekly column, "J'ai tout compris à l'économie," on France Inter radio, aimed to demystify complex economic concepts for the general public.
Maris's unwavering commitment to freedom of expression and his refusal to back down in the face of threats earned him both admiration and scorn. As a co-founder of Charlie Hebdo, he played a crucial role in the magazine's rebirth in 1992 and remained a steadfast supporter until his death.
Through his work, Maris inspired generations of journalists, economists, and thinkers. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of ideas and the importance of defending democratic values.
"La liberté, c'est comme l'air que nous respirons, nous ne nous en rendons compte que lorsque nous sommes sur le point de la perdre." ("Freedom is like the air we breathe, we only realize how precious it is when we're about to lose it.") - Bernard Maris
Maris's murder, along with 11 others, shocked the world and sparked widespread outrage. The attack on Charlie Hebdo was seen as an assault on freedom of expression and democracy. The incident sparked a global debate on the importance of protecting freedom of speech and the role of satire in society.
Maris's legacy continues to inspire and educate, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of defending our fundamental rights and promoting critical thinking.
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