On November 9, it’s been a year since the passing of Sebastian Lodemann. In a vigil, his former colleagues and friends from the EA community shared what they learned from him at the end of last year. We’re sharing some of these statements anonymously in slightly edited form.
Humility Paired with Exceptional Competence
"I have never worked with someone whose humility matched such immense intelligence and effectiveness. Sebastian was incredibly skilled in many areas but never spoke about his accomplishments. In my experience, he was humble and quiet, always saying the right thing at the right time to encourage and include others. He ensured we considered important matters and stayed on the right track without ever drawing attention to himself. I deeply admire this quality and aspire to emulate it. There's so much I have to learn from him in this regard."
"Among the many professionals I've met, Sebastian stood out with his unique combination of competence, humility, kindness, and open-mindedness. He taught me the importance of safety culture, a concept I'm now integrating into my work on AI safety. I will strive to continue the mission he started, ensuring the safe development of AI through the application of risk management principles he was so knowledgeable about."
"Working with Sebastian transformed our project. When we faced a significant crisis, he stepped in and invested a great deal of time and effort to help us rebuild. Even when he was ill, he prioritized our needs over his own, refusing to postpone important meetings. That's the kind of person he was—always putting others first. He was incredibly humble, never considering any task too small, and was as tolerant of others as he was demanding of himself. He taught me that anything is possible with dedication and determination."
Generosity and Mentorship
"Though I only met Sebastian twice, his deep focus and generosity left a lasting impression. When we needed speakers for a conference, he was quick to offer his time, even though he was already juggling many responsibilities. Later, when we sought mentors for newcomers in our community, he immediately agreed to help. Hearing about his impact as a mentor inspires me to be a better mentor myself. His legacy continues to motivate me."
"I found a note in my to-do list from a week before he passed: 'Systematically ask friends how they are in a low-effort way like Sebastian does.' He wouldn't just ask how you were; he'd make it easy for you to respond. While I try to be an empathetic friend, I realize I could reach out much more, just as Sebastian did. That's something I'm striving to put into practice."
"We volunteered together a few months ago, and I deeply respected his sense of initiative. He was always willing to step up and act on his ideas. He even provided me with career coaching just days before his accident. It's hard to believe he's gone; I still expect to see a reply from him in my inbox. His loss is deeply felt."
"Sebastian was a mentor who truly touched my life. Despite the limited time we spent together, his impact was profound. When I was considering a move into a new field to focus on more meaningful work, his input was invaluable. The greatest lesson he taught me was to believe in myself."
Encouragement and Empowerment
"One thing I'll carry forward from Sebastian is the belief in myself and the courage to try new things. When I first met him during a significant career transition, I was uncertain about everything, including myself. He took me seriously, made me feel part of the community from the very start, and encouraged me to take charge. He saw potential in me that I hadn't recognized, and by doing so, he made me a better person. Conversations with him always left me feeling empowered and motivated to care more. He will be greatly missed."
"Sebastian had a way of making others feel valued and included. His approach to interactions was always filled with encouragement, helping others to see the best in themselves. His ability to uplift those around him is something I aspire to emulate."
Open-Mindedness and Genuine Curiosity
"When I met him at a retreat last year, I was struck by his willingness to take ideas seriously. He didn't dismiss thoughts out of hand but took the time to think them through, even when others might not. It was refreshing, and it's a quality I hope to keep with me as well."
"He approached each new idea with genuine curiosity and openness, stemming from his high regard for others. Sebastian saw each person with dignity and care, which influenced all of us to interact with inherent respect. While maintaining serious rigor and thoughtfulness, he treated every new concept as something worthy of consideration simply because someone he respected had brought it up. I appreciated that deeply."
“I had come to rely on Sebastian’s advice for nearly everything and I constantly sought validation about whether my feelings or actions were "normal." One day, he gave me perspective-changing advice: "Stop asking if things are normal. It doesn't matter. People have their reasons and do their own things. The only question you should ask is whether something works for you and what you want."
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
"Sebastian was a true model of how to balance love and care for the world, those he knew, his family, and himself. He will serve as a guidepost for me in striving to balance these aspects of life."
"Someone mentioned his 'groundedness,' and that resonates with me. Many people struggle with connecting big world challenges to being a good person in everyday life. Sebastian showed that you can do both sensibly. He just did the good things with energy—something he had in abundance. I hope I've learned a bit from his example."
"The first thing that struck me when I met Sebastian at a retreat was how he spoke so lovingly of his children. His warmth as a young, devoted father endeared him to me forever. He wasn't just a colleague but a beacon of thoughtfulness. His intelligence was balanced with deep empathy, guiding us through challenges with grace and wisdom. He taught me the value of considering different perspectives, and I'll always carry his balanced approach in both my professional and personal life."
Sense of Humor and Light-Heartedness
"In addition to his brilliance and humility, Sebastian was a deeply funny man. I miss his strategic insight and his intensely self-aware, self-deprecating humor. We had a running joke about his dry wit. Once, we presented a graph predicting our email sign-ups would soon surpass the world's population, delivered with deadpan sincerity. It was a delightful skill he had—bringing humor at just the right moment. I hope to imitate that ability, though I know I'll never match it."
“I once missed a meeting with Sebastian and he sent me an absolutely hilarious formal legal complaint full of case law he had invented. It was the funniest thing I ever read. He was funny and so creative.”
Commitment to Self-Improvement and Well-Being
"Though I didn't work with him professionally, I learned a lot from Sebastian as a friend. He was devoted to self-improvement, and we often discussed ways to feel better and connect more deeply with ourselves and others—like meditating, journaling, and even keeping a dream diary. After our conversation, I started a dream diary and found it helpful in understanding my subconscious. I have him to thank for that."
"He shared his methods for coping during tough times. When he felt down, he'd find comfort in small things he knew would lift his spirits. His two go-to activities were reading fiction and watching comedians he enjoyed. Immersing himself in a good book allowed him to forget his problems, and laughing at silly jokes reminded him there was still joy in life. These strategies have helped me immensely, and I hope his family might find comfort in them as well."
"Sebastian shared with me a liberating way of thinking. Instead of spending energy lamenting constraints or limitations, he focused on optimizing within them—'constraining the solution space,' as he put it. He encouraged asking how to best achieve goals given the constraints, rather than ignoring them. This perspective has been freeing for me, and I thank him for this gift."
Inspiring Others Through Action
"Sebastian's ambition and determination to pursue impactful projects struck me deeply. I hadn't realized he was involved in so many initiatives simultaneously. Despite his many commitments, he was incredibly kind and patient with everyone around him. That's not always common in a community driven by ambition and goals. His approach is inspiring and something I aspire to emulate."
"He was not just a colleague but someone who inspired others through his actions. His balance of brilliance, humility, and kindness is a rare combination that left a lasting impact on all who knew him."
A Grounded Approach to Life's Challenges
"Many people get overwhelmed thinking about the world's big challenges and how to be a good person in daily life. Sebastian showed that it's possible to navigate both thoughtfully. He approached life's complexities with a sensible and energetic spirit, something I greatly admire and hope to learn from."
"He demonstrated that groundedness isn't about avoiding big problems but about engaging with them while staying connected to what's important—family, friends, and personal well-being."
Lasting Impressions and Farewell
"I only met Sebastian briefly at two conferences, but he radiated energy and vitality. His warm, empathetic presence and ability to give complete attention left me feeling uplifted after our meetings. Learning about his extensive work humbles me and fills me with gratitude. Not being able to know him better makes me very sad."
"Even in small interactions, he made a significant impact. Once, when asked to review something quickly, his insightful questions showed his desire to help and improve the situation, even with limited time. He generously shared his experience to guide me."
"Sebastian was a beacon of thoughtfulness and a true role model. His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. I am deeply sorry for his family's loss and hope they find comfort in knowing the remarkable impact he had on so many."
Continuing Sebastian's Legacy
Sebastian's dedication to making the world a better place extended beyond his personal interactions; he was actively involved in shaping policies for a safer future. Shortly before his passing, he was educating German policymakers on the importance of including General Purpose AI in the then-upcoming AI Act. In his memory, we are hosting a lecture on GPAIS regulation at the EAGx Virtual conference on November 16th. We invite you to join us in continuing the important work he was so passionate about.
- Attend the Lecture: Register for the EAGx Virtual conference and be part of the discussion on GPAIS regulation in Sebastian's honor.
Another way to honor Sebastian's memory is by sharing your own reflections or memories of him. Your stories can provide comfort to his family and celebrate the impact he had on so many lives.
- Share a Memory: Contribute to the Kudoboard by adding a note or reflection about how Sebastian touched your life.
To support his family during this difficult time, consider making a donation. Your contribution can help provide for his wife and children as they navigate the future without him.
Lastly, Sebastian had a deep appreciation for nature. Planting a tree in his memory is a meaningful way to honor his legacy and contribute to the environment he cared about.
Plant a Tree: Consider planting a tree sapling locally or contribute to reforestation efforts through services like One Tree Planted, where one dollar plants one tree.
Just the other day I had some question looking back at some older documents and was wondering who could answer it when Seb came to mind. So in a sense he is still teaching me lessons - this time that my work builds on the work of so many others. At the same time it also shows that when one is doing potentially important work, it is highly likely that one's legacy will live on in a myriad ways with real-world impact.