Tributes

Memories and tributes of Phil are welcomed here and will be selectively posted over time. An official obituary is posted Legacy.com, where the family invites people who knew Phil or were moved by his work to share a memory. Or you may do so here via the form at the bottom of this page.

Thank you to all whose lives were touched by his.

Dear, dear Zim, I cannot think of social psychology without thinking of you. Our friendship goes back about 65 years. I will always remember you as full of warmth, kindness, generosity, energy and, of course, gorgeous flamboyance. I loved giving guest lectures in your class and your giving them in mine. I loved your staying at hour home in Austin for an entire week…where our young kids were delighted with you and my graduate students were impressed and even hypnotized–literally!

We had a great many wonderful experiences together in such exotic places as Budapest, Warsaw, Barcelona, and, of course, Austin Texas! But the one place that stands out in my mind right now, is the time we shared a stage at the University of Salamanca, where you were enthralled to give a talk at one of the oldest universities in the world! And, of course, we were feted by the students who kept us up until three in the morning drinking sangria (you kept saying, “It goes down so easily!), and we were up giving lectures at 9:00 in the morning. You were, as always, magnificent. You and I had a great time on that trip, especially when we spent hours sharing our life stories with each other in Grenada–between visits to Alhambra. We bonded so beautifully. You told me it was hard to say goodbye. Needless to say, right now it is, of course, nearly impossible. – Elliot Aronson on Legacy

In the heart of Florence, at the historic Church of Ognissanti, I lit a candle in memory of my dear friend, Dr. Philip Zimbardo. It was always such a joy when Phil and Christina visited. I could always count on Phil generously giving a talk to our students at Stanford in Florence, sharing one of the many extraordinary facets of his work and research. His passion for people, academia, and Italy was infectious. Florence, in particular, held a special place in his heart.

Having spent meaningful time in this Renaissance city, he was captivated by its rich tradition of humanistic thought. The Church of Ognissanti is a treasure dating back to the 13th century. It houses incredible works of art, including a Crucifix by Giotto and masterpieces by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. Botticelli himself chose to be laid to rest here, in the same church as Simonetta Vespucci, the muse for his Venus. She had married into the Vespucci family, whose palazzo stands right next to the church. Ognissanti is also next to the hotel where Leland Stanford Jr. passed away. I think Phil would have loved these connections and seen them as the perfect embodiment of his own life and legacy, which, much like the flame in this historic church, will continue to illuminate and guide future generations. – Ermelinda Campania on Legacy

We are very sad to hear that Philip Zimbardo passed away. We had the opportunity to film a wide-ranging conversation with him a few years ago and produced several mini-documentaries in which he is featured candidly sharing insights into his intriguing life history & ground-breaking research.

Dr. Philip Zimbardo talks about the survival techniques that he developed from the particular dynamics of his upbringing in the Bronx to his quarantine experiences, his experiences with South Bronx gangs, his relationship with his former classmate Stanley Ingram and the impact the different experiences in his youth had on the development of his personal situational awareness and how that influenced his psychological research.
After a detailed description of the notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment, Philip discusses what we have—and haven’t—learned since then, the Abu Ghraib trial, his Heroic Imagination Project, and more.
https://ideasroadshow.com/philip-zimbardo/ – Irena Burton on LinkedIn

Phil was strong in three things. He was kind, he believed in people, and he was a highly influential teacher. Phil was consciously kind. As he said, “I switched because I was completely engulfed by evil.” He studied, learned, and practiced kindness. For example, he always brought gifts and little tokens. Once, I asked him why he did this, and he said that no matter how affected it may seem, it’s only ten minutes for him, but these little things can bring long-lasting happiness to others. He put effort into making the people around him happier. I learned from him that altruism is not weakness or being a loser (as many economists often describe it), but rather a source of a joyful life and happy coexistence.

He believed that people would be kind if kindness and attentiveness were the norm. One of
Phil’s phrases often comes to mind: “It’s not the Bad Apple, it’s the Rotten Barrel” —

meaning that the problem is not the bad apple but the rotten barrel. This is a response to the
idea that “One bad apple spoils the bunch.” We often hear this when someone tries to
explain a problem by blaming a single individual: “The kid got mixed up with bad company,”
“toxic coworker,” and so forth.
Zimbardo taught us that most of the time, individuals are not the source of the problem, but
rather the system, the environment, the culture, and the norms that surround them. If the
barrel is bad, even the best apples can rot. “Let’s build good barrels!” he said.
Phil was not only kind; he not only believed in people, but he was also a good teacher. He
could tell stories simply and enthusiastically about every area of psychology in a way that
made you believe you could learn what he knew. It was as if he was always showering you
with small gifts of knowledge. For instance, I learned from him that as a teacher, you can be
more effective if you ask students in advance to teach others what they are learning now
because “when someone knows they have to pass the information on to others, they learn the material better” (this is called “the protégé effect”). Once I asked him what I should do as a leader when I saw that the “old-timers” in the
company talk behind the backs of the newcomers (backstabbing). He said to privately tell
those involved that “this is not okay,” to talk with the “backstabbers” about what it would be
like for them if they found themselves in such a situation, and then publicly reaffirm that
“have you noticed how much better the atmosphere has been lately?” Criticize in private,
and publicly reinforce the positive norm. He had a plethora of such practical knowledge. And
he didn’t charge a coaching fee for these pieces of advice.
Twelve years ago, we met during a break at a TED conference and started talking. He knew
how communities work and that small interventions can lead to significant change. And he
loved his idea that this could even be tried in a European country. (From America’s
perspective, a European country is just as small as a psychological lab.) He was persistent.
When I told him that there was also a need for changing social norms in Hungary, he wrote
to me about a day later asking to discuss it. Peter Arvai and I met with him again in San
Francisco, and the brainstorming began. Zimbardo convinced us that 1. change is possible
and 2. even if we don’t know how to do it, we think it’s not our responsibility, we don’t dare to
do it, or we have 15 other excuses. “Let’s just try it.” If we believe in the butterfly effect, then
it’s enough just to be a small butterfly. Then I introduced Györgyi Orosz to Phil Zimbardo. I think this was the most impactful
meeting I have ever organized in my life. From this, the Heroes’ Square Foundation was
born, so that compassion and cooperation would replace indifference as the norm in
Hungarian culture. Phil often stated that what the Hungarian team has done over the past
ten years far exceeds what he ever dreamed of. He loved being with us and was proud of
the Hungarian achievements because we managed to translate social psychology
knowledge into real, effective actions.
But Zimbardo’s influence is traceable in the founding of Bridge Budapest, too, since it is also
about building a movement that changes culture and the normatively perceived mindset so
that companies consciously have a positive impact on their environment, not just focusing on
profit.

And I think the Budapest School community doesn’t even realize that without Phil Zimbardo,
there would be no Budapest School. In a restaurant, he first explained to me on a napkin the
connection between mindset, learning, and outcomes. Today, the Growth Mindset is part of
the curriculum at BPS. One of BPS’s main goals comes from Phil: the BPS kids can pay
attention to others, have a positive impact on their environment, take responsibility, connect
with others, and enrich their communities, and the society in which they live. That is, they
contribute to the well-being of others. This is nothing other than what Phil Zimbardo was. An
everyday hero. I also thought today that Edith Eva Eger wouldn’t reach Hungary if Phil didn’t “push” for it,
saying there is an 85-year-old psychologist Holocaust survivor who still dances weekly today
and must meet the people of this country. In fact, Phil brought Edit home. And of course, he
also introduced Carol Dweck to our country. He said there was no way we couldn’t organize
for her to come here. “It’s just a plane ticket and a few dinners.” He asked Carol to come to
Hungary, and thanks to him, so many people know about the Growth Mindset in Hungary
today. (Okay, Phil would mention that Heroes’ Square and the Hungarian team did a lot for
this.)
And by the time I wrote all this down, I became sad. The thoughts of “Phil would say this”
need to be replaced by something new. We will have to figure out what that is. In my
imagination, I ask him, “Hey, Phil, people around me who taught me a lot are dying. What
now?” I think he would respond that I should read a book and remind me that we know our
duties: we know how to create barrels where people can live happier, working together and
paying attention to each other.
Standing on the shoulders of giants – it is our job to stand up and keep going. Zimbardo
loved it when someone stood on his shoulders and climbed onto his head. (In the picture, my
children can be seen with Phil Zimbardo in our Budapest apartment.) – HP, a leader of the Heroes’ Square Foundation in Budapest

Hősök Tere: Prof. Philip Zimbardora (1933 – 2024) emlékezünk

In 2012, Peter Halacsy called me to say that he had met one of the world’s most important
social psychologists, who spoke about indifference at a conference and how it can be
transformed. He also mentioned that he had invited the professor to Hungary, and the
professor had said yes. “What should we do now?” Peter asked. We talked for almost a year
and… did nothing.
On September 1, 2013, Dr. Philip Zimbardo reached out, saying that he would be coming to
Europe in October and asking if the invitation was still open. It was.

I remember how excited we were on October 3, when he arrived in Hungary for the second
time in his life. Veronika Pistyur went to pick him up, and she brought him to the salon,
where Zimbardo gave a presentation to 200 people about how anyone can become an
everyday hero and why living this way is beneficial. It was uplifting, emotional, and inspiring.
I will never forget how, at the end of the evening, a famous Hungarian social psychologist
and a renowned Hungarian TV personality accompanied him to the car, insisting that this
just wouldn’t work in Hungary. Meanwhile, Phil kept saying, “Try it,” “Start it,” “Do it,” “Try it,”
“Start it,” “Do it.” Every one of his words energized and empowered us.
He stayed for another five days. Gábor Orosz, Daniel Bolyky, and I decided to visit him
because he had time. Dani brought fois gras and a baguette; Gábor perhaps brought some
vegetables, and I baked a brownie, fortunately without flour. Zimbardo set the table for four
and awaited us with champagne. We talked for five hours. It was an unforgettable start to the
11 years since then. There, at that moment, we decided to launch something into which we
would invest a lot of energy. We would organize an international conference, a media
campaign, bring training for teachers, and organize a festival for young people — Zimbardo
kept insisting how amazing it would be to have a week-long rock festival! In the end, one day
was enough, and we did it: on June 15, 2014, he was seated in the VIP box, inspiring the
youth and the bands. The popular Hungarian band called Punnany Massif even wrote a
song about everyday heroism.
I also remember how adamantly Phil insisted that Dr. Edith Eger should be invited to our
conference. He even raised funds for her flight, and I will never forget how happily he
introduced her as if to say, “Do you see what a fantastic person this is?” He was persistent,
kind, determined, and extremely energetic.

I will never forget how tired he was when I took him to the airport at 84 years old, after two
weeks in Budapest – from where, I believe, he was traveling to London. He said, “I came to
Budapest as if I were 80 years old, and now I feel as tired as if I were at least 84.” � During
his later visits, we organized “much” less frequent programs, but I know he still enjoyed those
busy two weeks. Because he saw the impact he had on young people, educators, and the
media when he was here. At that time, I thought he also loved being in the spotlight. Now I
see that he appreciated it because it allowed him to inspire and teach even more effectively –
he was a brilliant teacher. He also noticed how intensely we adapted his knowledge and
incorporated it into the lives of educators and children in schools. So that they could and
would dare to stand up for themselves and especially for others. I will be forever grateful to
him for this knowledge, and to fate for allowing me to learn from him.
I am grateful to him for this and for so much more. For instance, for the amusing experiences
we shared. On one occasion, when we ordered a coffee at the airport, we could see in the
waiter’s eyes that he seemed familiar, and we almost asked him, “Are you Lombardo? Or
Zimbo?” Because people often got his name wrong. And how we exchanged knowing
glances, assuming that’s how it would go. The waiter, however, spoke perfect English and
shared with us stories about Phil’s life and work, about what he had read, and how much he
respected him for bringing everyday heroism to Hungary. We were astonished!
Or the time when Aunt Náncsi’s restaurant restroom door opened with laughter because
someone had addressed him at the urinal. Or when we went to Tihany and Balatonfüred to
see another side of Hungary, the beauty of the countryside, and during a walk by the lake, a
young couple approached us. The man started raising his index finger, like when he saw
someone familiar but wasn’t sure. Finally, he spoke to us and said, “Excuse me, but you look
like that famous social psychologist.” Phil asked, “You mean Zimbardo?” The man hurriedly
replied, “Yes, yes, that’s who I was thinking of.” Phil smiled, we continued on our way, and I
turned to the couple behind us and said, “He doesn’t just look like him. He is him.”
I will never forget his fantastic and inspiring presentations, the way he had a kind word for
everyone at a book signing, on the street, anywhere. His teachings, as we sat in my
apartment, where he showed me why a Growth Mindset and the Bystander Effect are
important. And he made me realize that this is where we should start our work together. It
was 11:10 a.m. that day when I understood how incredibly simple and logical everything he
said seemed and how much we had messed up, unconsciously, the education of our
children, but also our attitude when we, for example, fear challenges, mistakes, or when we
only focus on our matters for survival. And it was an uplifting feeling to understand what we
could do now. I still experience that feeling every time I conduct a training. And I wish people
could feel as I did at 11:10 a.m.
I recently read a study by McKinsey about what skills are needed today to address the
challenges of the world (pandemics, AI, wars, climate issues, etc.) in simple terms. In its 5-6
points, there is Dr. Philip Zimbardo’s teaching. We know this at the Heroes Square
Foundation and the Company, and it feels very good to add something to the world, to the
development of our children, and to shape the behavior of adults.
We loved that he came to Budapest twice a year. We didn’t want to lose a moment of it. He
gave so much, and as I said last year on his 90th birthday, that gathering, then the five-hour

conversation, and the nearly 11 years since have changed my life and the lives of many
thousands, tens of thousands of other people through our foundation.
It’s hard to accept that I can no longer say to him in broken English, “Do you remember
when we stood there…” etc. Now I can only imagine what it would be like if he was standing
here today in one of Budapest’s main squares, in a Heroes t-shirt, starting his speech with,
“The problem is that…” or “What’s interesting is…” We loved those phrases, just as much as
the conversations, the way he shook hands, and the way he genuinely engaged with people
when he addressed them. The way he watched how the Paris Hotel was being built, where
he eventually moved in for a few days. How he always took the time for volunteers and
picnics outdoors. How patiently and lovingly he allowed people to take photos with him, even
when he was very tired.
I hold on to these and many other memories, and I carry forward the knowledge I gained
from him with even greater momentum.
You know, Phil, we struggled with the Heroes School Program because teachers have
enough on their plates in Hungary right now. (Yes, they are overwhelmed too.) Yet, last year,
more than 500 educators participated in our program for a year, directly or indirectly
impacting thousands of students. They can be proud of themselves, and you would be
smiling at them. And at those educators who have been continuously working with your
knowledge for years. Do you remember, in 2016, we talked a lot about the students from
Biatorbágy and the female teacher who could no longer bear the sexual abuse of children
and stood up for them? Well, you would be proud of this butterfly, Erika Schmidt, who spread
her wings, and we still feel and experience the effects of that today. It’s good that you are
here! Because in our hearts, you will always remain with us. – Györgyi Orosz, leader of Heroic Imagination Project in Budapest

I met Phil when I joined the Stanford faculty in 1972. He was already recognized as a brilliant, energetic and charismatic scholar and teacher, and this reputation only grew with time. When I was Department Chair a decade or so later, I presented him with an award at our Commencement exercises. The citation read, in part, “[Phil is] the type of paragon who appears in the academic world with infinitesimal frequency; a teacher, motivator and innovator of uncommon brilliance; a selfless soul, whose devotion to the education of our students is an ideal to which the rest of us must aspire.”

A few years later, as Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, I commissioned a group of faculty to formulate the criteria that should be used to judge excellence in teaching. Phil’s record was prominent in our analysis – his mastery of the large introductory class, his use of guest speakers from a wide range of niches, his use of technology (including old-fashioned hypnosis!), and his imaginative use of undergraduate teaching assistants. Given this provenance of our teaching criteria, Phil’s later winning of the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching should perhaps be seen as a matter more of logic than of desert! Validation of our local enthusiasm came from the wider discipline, which recognized Phil with, e.g., the 1999 Robert S. Daniel Teaching Excellence Award from the American Psychological Association, and the 2012 American Psychological Foundation Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in the Science of Psychology. It is no wonder that so many of Phil’s students have gone on to research and teaching careers in which they, like their mentor, have won numerous awards for distinguished teaching.

A couple of months ago, Christina Maslach, who (Phil told me once) “is the best of all the good things that happened to me after my youth in the South Bronx”, invited us to reach out to Phil during his last days of reflection and thanksgiving. Her invitation led me to recall the very first time I met Phil, likely in November 1971, when I gave my job talk at Stanford. I remember chatting with him in his 2nd floor office and being impressed, first, by its psychedelic, funky atmosphere. This was an approach to decorating office space that was nothing like that seen in my professors’ offices in Cambridge and London, and this novelty only served to increase Stanford’s attractiveness. The second thing that impressed me was that, to put it in simple terms, Phil’s office was located in the same wing as those of some of the African American professors and students. And yet, the welcome that Phil gave me was by far the most engaging and friendly of those I received in that wing!

Many of us have felt Phil’s grace because he devoted himself to making others feel special and to bringing out the best they had to offer. I think that one of the reasons for this devotion was that his dear wife, Christina, brought love, serenity and focus into his life, thereby allowing his creative energies to blossom to the fullest. And, in a similar vein, I am grateful also to their children, Adam, Tanya and Zara, and their families for enveloping Phil with their love to the end!

So, Thank You, Phil, for your friendship and your generosity of spirit!

– Ewart Thomas

I first saw Dr Z in Intro to Psych, which led me to major in Psych. His epic slide show ends with the picture of him gleefully jumping into the air on a CA beach next to his SL. How to make psychology engagingly cool for 18 and 19 yr olds! Dr Z was my considerate and learned thesis advisor who literally walked around his office and pulled books from his office library to save me a trip to Meyer Library.

He strongly advocated that I pursue a PhD, but I took the business path instead and sadly, we lost touch for years. We reconnected decades later after I heard him on NPR being interviewed by Michael Krasny. I reached out, and Dr Z immediately suggested a Skype session – we talked for a long time and caught up with each other’s lives. I learned about HIP and was inspired by its mission and Dr Z’s passion. We found ways to bring HIP to Palo Alto High School via my kids, and then I joined HIP’s board to contribute what I can. The last 7 years have been wonderful to share lunches and dinners with Dr Z and Christina. Those of us fortunate enough to share free-flowing conversations with Dr Z and Christina will always be impressed by their quick wit, the breadth and depth of their knowledge and omg, the stories that they can tell! The funny things we learn about other luminaries in the field of psychology. My family will miss Dr Z’s energy, love of learning and sage advice. My daughter noted that Dr Z can text with the best of the teens. My son has saved a voicemail from Dr Z checking in on him at school. We had the treasured privilege of sharing time with such a special person and we will be sure to honor his ideals and wishes. – Jonathan Chen on Legacy

Scrivere questo post mi è costato molto, forse perché dire addio a chi ti ha dato così tanto è sempre difficile. La scomparsa di Philip Zimbardo lascia migliaia di orfani in tutto il mondo: psicologi e non che hanno avuto la fortuna di incontrarlo e che grazie a lui sono diventate persone e professionisti migliori. Phil, il nostro caro zio Phil, ha voluto rendere la psicologia qualcosa per tutti e ha voluto usarla concretamente per tirare fuori la bellezza (che lui era capace di vedere) dall’umanità.Il modo migliore per ricordarlo è farlo conoscere attraverso l’immensa opera che ci ha lasciato e i progetti che continueranno ad andare avanti grazie alla sua straordinaria generosità. Mi manchi e mi mancherai sempre zio Phil, quello che ci hai dato continuerà a crescere con noi. – Mariangela Grimaudo on LinkedIn

I am grateful and humbled to have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Phil and working with him. His groundbreaking research on the psychology of evil and heroism has profoundly influenced my thinking and understanding of human behavior. His contribution to humanity is unquantifiable, and his legacy will continue to shape the field of psychology for generations to come. May he rest in peace. – Ran Zilca on LinkedIn

My friend Phil…sending you peace and love as you embark on the next part of your journey. Through our spirit we will remain connected. You were just a legend to me for so many years, before I had the great fortune to meet you as we discovered Sicily together. Our time together over the last 15 years has been remarkable. Going to the land of our ancestors, finding our homeland and contributing to improve the lives of others there has been such a big part of the Luczo family experience since 2008. That first trip is still etched into my memory, when we went to the land of my Grandparents and scraped up that hard, rocky soil and smuggled it back to the USA. Our citizenship ceremonies in Cammarata and Corleone and the building of the residence for the physically challenged are lifelong memories.

Your ability to inspire others and to always see a way to be helpful was a gift to all of us. Of course the establishment of the Bona Furtuna farm and its ongoing evolution are all testaments to your spirit and kindness. And the effort to improve humanity through the Heroic Imagination Project will continue as part of your legacy. You´ve touch and improved the lives of millions. Your leadership, compassion, humor, and kindness as a husband, father, grandfather and friend made us all better versions of ourselves. I will continue to hold you close to my heart, as will Agatha and all the Luczo children. Thank you for your friendship and for your lifelong commitment to make the world a better place. Christina. Thank you so much for sharing Phil in such a generous fashion all these years. The love between the two of you was always so magical and obvious. You made Phil a better version of himself, so all the accolades above are a reflection of the love you gave to each other. We love you so much. Steve and Agatha Luczo, Rosalia, George, Cosimo and Anica on Legacy

I was his student at NYU´s Grad Psych Program and was moved by his application of psychology to essential problems of ordinary people being gradually schooled to become torturers. One memory was of his inviting his research methods class to his home to teach us about the benefits of hypnosis His brilliance coupled with a complete lack of pretentiousness was inspiring and I loved teaching his research because it always addressed what makes us good human beings. – Rita Blair on Legacy

Oggi Cammarata piange la scomparsa di Philip G. Zimbardo, una figura di grande spessore a cui la nostra comunità ha conferito con profondo orgoglio la cittadinanza onoraria. Pur non essendo nato qui, Philip aveva radici profonde in questa terra, essendo i suoi avi originari di Cammarata. È stato solo da uomo di successo, dopo una carriera straordinaria nel mondo della psicologia, che ha scoperto personalmente il nostro paese, innamorandosene immediatamente. Il legame che Philip ha costruito con Cammarata è diventato forte e autentico.

Nonostante i suoi traguardi internazionali, ha sentito il bisogno di tornare alle sue origini, lasciandosi conquistare dalla nostra comunità, contribuendo al suo benessere e portando il suo sapere al servizio della collettività. La sua visione di “regalare la psicologia” ha trovato qui terreno fertile, e la sua eredità di sapere e umanità ha avuto un impatto indelebile anche sulla nostra piccola realtà. La sua scomparsa, avvenuta serenamente il 14 ottobre 2024, ci lascia con un grande vuoto, ma anche con la consapevolezza che il suo amore per Cammarata e il suo impegno continueranno a vivere nei cuori di tutti coloro che lo hanno conosciuto. Alla sua famiglia, le nostre piu sentite condoglianze. Caro Philip, la tua Cammarata ti ricorderà sempre con gratitudine e orgoglio. – Giuseppe Mangiapane, mayor of Cammarata, Sicily on Facebook

He will remain one of the most important figures in current psychology. Dr. Zimbardo was committed to encouraging the next generation. I first met him in 1998 as an undergraduate at the Annual conference of American Psychological Association. He frequently attended the Western Psychological Association where he scheduled in his personal time to speak students from Community Colleges – presenting their work as part of Psi Beta and Psi Chi national honors societies. At every professional meeting, Dr. Zimbardo was surrounded by eager learners – the Erickson Evolution of Psychotherapy, the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy, and the APA. He was known to stay long after his agreed upon meet & greet schedule to speak with students face-to-face. Dr. Zimbardo was passionate and compassionate -whether speaking about his concerns for individuals living with HIV/AIDS or treating all humans with dignity and kindness – Dr. Zimbardo encouraged the support of diverse students their abilities to expand future research. May his memory be a healing blessing. – Espen Correll on Legacy

I had the privilege and pleasure of learning with Phil Zimbardo during my first year of graduate school at the Columbia University Department of Social Psychology, where he taught in 1967-68. At that point he was on his way to becoming one of the true giants in the field, applying his innovative and creative approach to important and often ignored questions of inter- and intra-personal behavior. Though sometimes dubbed “The Great Zimbardo” for his mesmerizing speaking style, he was always warm and down to earth when we occasionally reconnected in subsequent years. – Don Elman on Legacy

With immense sadness and regret, we received the news of the passing of
Prof. Philip Zimbardo, an outstanding American psychologist, founder and patron of the Zimbardo Center in Nikiszowiec, Katowice, initiator of numerous research and educational projects in the field of social psychology, and author of popular science books and textbooks. He taught us how to build lasting social bonds and stand up against evil. For his Polish friends, his passing is an irreplaceable loss. – City of Katowice on Legacy

I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Z’s passing. I had the honor to work with him on promoting his book THE LUCIFER EFFECT (about his landmark Stanford Prison Experiment). We worked several education conferences together, had a wonderful small group dinner in Boston, and I had the privilege to visit his home for a party where he was the consummate host. In addition to all of his academic accolades, he was simply just a wonderful person and it was a joy to see other PhD’s light up when they would reflect on having been one of his students

or if they had gotten to finally meet him for the first time having studied his work as an undegrad or PhD candidate. As a fellow Italian-American, I also admired and supported his fundraising efforts to help the less fortunate back in the homeland. You will be missed but never forgotten, Dr. Z. Riposa in pace. – Michael Gentile on LinkedIn

When I was 13 years, I watched a VHS tape of “Discovering Psychology” which he hosted – that tape changed my life. Email was a new thing back then, and using my AOL account, I found his Stanford email address and excitedly wrote him a long email explaining where I went to middle school and that I enjoyed his show – I told him I had some questions and typed them out.

To my surprise, he responded – and not a brief response, but over a page long response with detailed and easy-to-understand answers to my questions. I was delighted. As the years went on, I would write to Professor Zimbardo at least once or twice a year in the same email thread, and he would always respond – and within only a couple of days. But as our correspondence continued, he became to me – as to so many of his students throughout the decades – “Uncle Phil”.

Finally, in 2007 in California at the national convention of the American Psychological Association, I had the chance to meet him. Uncle Phil shook my hand, smiled broadly, threw his arm around me, and said – “Does anyone have a camera? We need to take some photos, Jay. To remember.” – Jay Phoenix Singh on LinkedIn

Phil was a kind soul, a creative researcher, and an exceptionally talented writer. His textbook, Psychology & Life, set a remarkably high bar for everyone. His popular trade books influenced millions of people. I remain grateful to him for his participation in a symposium that I organized in the 1980s. His participation ensured a packed room and a lively exchange of ideas. – Wayne Weiten on Legacy

What a life. Like he was with everyone, he was incredibly generous with me for absolutely no reason other than him being a nice person who loved to see people succeed.

As a 23 year old I was lucky to be invited to Phil’s retirement party. That night I played a part in a magic trick that Daryl Bem orchestrated where he fooled Phil into thinking I was Christina with some clever costume changes. It was so fun! Lee Ross found me in my office the afternoon before the party and got me involved in the plan. I have a video somewhere.

I never did research with Phil but I spent a lot of time with him. When I moved to Stanford to start a post-bacc in Laura Carstensen’s lab, I was also running a graphic design side hustle in SF. Some people around the psychology department found out I could make things and very soon Phil hired me on the side to convert his old slide wheels into PowerPoint decks for public talks. After I finished my day I’d go to his office and he’d explain a particular talk to me. It would regularly be like 80 slides for 45 minutes. I tried to convince him that it was way too much but he liked what he liked.

I saw him talk a few times and he pulled it off. Chaotic but entertaining for sure. He was extremely charismatic and his passion for whatever he was talking about was so contagious. I remade a lot of slide decks for him and there were a few times when he needed something fairly last minute. We’d meet up late at night and work together. I was a night owl at the time and I thought it was so fun. It was kind of spooky being in the department late at night but it was also kind of thrilling honestly. We’d talk the whole time and we got to learn a lot about each other. He was quickly fiercely invested in my career. We talked quite a bit about this job and how to navigate it. He complained about specialization and people’s work getting increasingly niche. He told me “do whatever you can to be a generalist”. Everyone is becoming overly specialized. Resist! The anti-establishment advice was very appealing to me especially as a 22 year old. I’ve held on to that advice and I think he’d be proud of the ground our work has covered over the years.

I’m grateful to have known him. A wonderful soul. He had his scientific critics like every high profile scientist. I didn’t agree with everything he said or wrote, and it was fine. He cared a lot about me and I cared a lot about him. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to know him the way I did.

– Greg Samanez-Larkin

I was no more than 10 years old when I saw a documentary on Italian television about the Stanford prison experiment. It remained fixed in my memory. At the University I had the opportunity to study Phil’s research, and these have always guided my own studies.

When I found out that Phil visited Sicily every year, I immediately thought I would like to meet him. I imagined the famous Zimbardo as distant and severe professor. I discover soon I was very wrong.

I met him in the Bocchiaro family country house. He greeted me with a big smile and a warm hug, inviting me to join in eating and singing with the others. It was a memorable meeting.

After a short time, he proposed me to spread the HIP project in Sicily, starting from Corleone.
Phil’s trust made you capable of doing things you never thought you could do.
I did with Cristina Siddiolo and it was a wonderful experience to see how people lit up and bloomed together through the heroic imagination project.

When I started teaching at a school for young refugees who had just landed after a terrible journey across sea and desert, I decided to teach the HIP method there as well. I soon realized that those boys and girls, having seen cruelty so early and having survived creating positive bonds and by mutual aid, were among those who could best understand and convey the dynamics of the social psychology taught by Phil.
These guys founded “Giocherenda”, an association for art, play and education that began to spread HIP. Young African migrants were teaching Europeans and other guys around the world the Heroic Imagination, created by a child of the Italian migration in USA.

Phil, together with the wonderful Cristina, have always supported both refugees and poor Sicilian youth. Phil has known firsthand racism and ghetto life, so he has never helped as someone who gives charity from above, but as someone who wants to share.

Through him we had incredible adventures and experiences.
We will miss Uncle Zimby so much, as we affectionately sometimes called him, and his incredible combination of intelligence, kindness and energetic cheerfulness.

I want to express on behalf of HIP Sicily and mine, all my simpaty and love to his wonderful family, and to the endless people who loved him.

Little lovely memories…
I remember his bright shirt. And the powerful music he used to start his classes to activate the audience. I remember his purpose maintained to always be kind and diligent, responding quickly to the many people who sought him out. And I remember witnessing the joyful excitement of Phil and Christina, married for about 50 years, in meeting each other after only a few weeks apart.
– Clelia Bartoli

A great moment in my graduate career was having lunch with Phil Zimbardo, Robert Sternberg, and my university’s Chair of Experimental psych, and 5 or 6 other graduate students at the APA conference (in 2002 or 2003). We students were a bit in awe, as we met two “famous” researchers with instantly recognized names. Those whose research through the years were hits as we student assistants taught Intro Psych classes back at our University. At the lunch, Phil was gracious, made everyone at the table feel at ease, and really impressed us as he asked about our research interests, our highlights of the conference. As he talked with us, we went from sitting with an idol, to having a great conversation with a person.

He gave us names of other researchers at the conference that would be helpful with our various research endeavors. He listened to our questions, shared his experiences within the circling conversation at the table. As he and Dr. Sternberg conversed with each other, then with us, we felt included in the “adult table” feeling welcomed as colleagues, as another generation of researchers. They shared highlights and the intimate details of years of research, the adventures and fears of their early careers, and real genuine regard for those of us who were starting out. After lunch, we headed out to the main floor of the conference. During the rest of the conference, he made sure to introduce us to those people he had mentioned at lunch. It was a truly memorable experience. – Pam Drake on Legacy

Phil was a truly incredible man. Accomplishments aside, he was an immensely loving, caring, and generous human who always made you feel welcome and important. I have many fond and joyful memories from my years working with Phil and am forever grateful for the confidence and trust he had in me so early in my career. His dedication to his work and legacy will continue to make the world a brighter place for future generations. – Cora Keene on Legacy

Almost 20 years ago reached out to Phil by email after reading his essay in Greater Good about his work promoting the banality of heroism. Much to my delight, he emailed right back. Thus began our friendship. When I was going to be in San Francisco, I wanted to meet him in person, and I asked if I could take him out to dinner. Instead he invited me over for dinner. I was so moved by his invitation for dinner, but I am vegan, and it’s always a bit awkward to tell a host this. “No problem!” he wrote. “I’ll make gnocchi and pesto.”

Gnocchi and pesto is pretty much my favorite meal, and I was so grateful for his willingness to accommodate my vegan diet. We went to his kitchen to prepare the meal together, but he’d forgotten about the gnocchi and pesto and my being vegan and had cheese-filled ravioli instead. He put me to work grating the parmesan for the meal. I had not eaten any dairy products in almost 20 years. What should I do? I try to live by the “most good, least harm” principle (which is why I’m vegan), and in this case I quickly realized that keeping quiet and eating that ravioli was the best thing to do. That choice was surprisingly pivotal for me. I learned that values can be in conflict, and that situations demand our careful attention and introspection to determine what is best. Of course, Phil had taught us all this through the SPE decades earlier! Years later, during a different visit – this time for breakfast – Phil went above and beyond to make the most delicious vegan breakfast ever. Would we even had developed our friendship that led to that breakfast had I refused to eat that first meal? That first night I met him, Phil’s generosity, brilliance, warmth, and his combination of intense attention with distractability was on full display. I felt like the most welcome, beloved guest. I felt like he was my friend from the moment we met – and he was. It’s hard to describe how much I learned from Phil because I learned both from his contribution to the field of social psychology – that hugely influences my work as a humane educator who teaches how we can and must change systems so that we can create a world where everyone, human and nonhuman, can readily flourish – and from him as a role model of generosity, genius, and kindness. Phil had time for everyone including me. He was a humble genius, ready to give of himself and his treasure at any and every turn. He was a force of energy. The contribution he has made to the world is profound. And it will be part of my life’s work to carry on his legacy. I already miss him. Thank you Phil.

– Zoë Weil

I, like many, came across Zimbardo via THE Study and video which I have watched over 10 times, plust 60 mintues revisit of it. But I was lucky to meet him at two Italian American Psychological Association meetings, mostly Italian dinners and some meeting. Sitting next to him all dinners, I readily became connected very quickly. As you know, he was unassuming as could be for such a famous psychologist. He did not deny his fame, but bypassed it to share himself, connect with others and the world. We had deep convesations and I watched him do the same with one person after another, be they experienced professionhals or new students. Being an Italian American Psychologist myself, it was great to hear him talk about Italy and Italian and Italian American culture, a rare thing in US. I consisered to him to have inspired me early to be a Psychologist and Professor and hope to carry on in his traditions to share psychology with the world, the scary parts and the challenge to do good despite pressuring circumstances. Bravissimo. – Randall Aquistapace Wyatt on Legacy

It’s been almost a month since he is gone and it is still really hard to write these lines. But I would love to express my most profound gratitude to Phil and his family for at least a fraction of things he has done for me personally, my family or my wider community.

His visits to Hungary brought hope and inspiration, and his kindness touched many people-whether through a selfie, a piece of advice, or simply a warm smile. His legacy will live on for generations to come, because there are thousands of teachers and kids in Hungary now who have been guided by his thoughts and who will hopefully spread his message about everyday heroism.

I´m thankful to him for countless things, including meeting my wife. The NGO we founded together introduced me to many people, and at one of those events, I met Monika. I´m also grateful for the chance to learn about growth mindset interventions from him. This journey took me to Stanford, where I had the privilege to learn from the field´s best experts and later on conduct interventions internationally. Once, while giving a talk, a skeptical researcher challenged the idea of change, arguing it was impossible. Phil, with his humble smile, defended the importance of the effort, even against the odds, because, as he said, you never know which spark will catch fire. As I read the comments below, I see just how generous Phil was with his sparks. Thank you, Phil.
– Gabor Orosz

It seems impossible to be writing a memorial tribute for Phil Zimbardo. He always seemed larger
than life, filled with a life force and energy that was more than mere mortals usually possess. He
was my mentor and friend for over forty years, and filled my life with genius, warmth and
laughter. As I wrestle with my heartbreak, my overwhelming feeling is one of almost
unbearable gratitude for all he has given me and all has done for me. These debts constitute
bonds of generosity and grace that I strive to pay forward but always fail to match in depth or
scope.

.I first met Phil in 1981 as a sophomore when I took his enormous Introduction to Psychology
class at Stanford. I had transferred in that year and he was such a legend around campus that I
immediately signed up to take the class my second quarter on campus. The class, as I recall, was
about 600 people in Dinkelspiel Auditorium. I am not sure if it was the first class, but I
remember him coming out on stage wearing a big black coat with top hat and a long magicians’
stick and doing magic tricks. As I looked around the audience, numerous students had bags of
popcorn because they were expecting the entertainment. The text was Psychology & Life, a
book he wrote for many years and that influenced generations of psychology students. I was
totally transfixed by the vivid and immediate writing that characterized his work.
I did ok in the class but I really enjoyed his teaching style, and so the next quarter I signed up
for a new class he was teaching: Mind Control. I loved that class and I worked really hard in it.
That same semester, I was taking a class in English Women Writers from Diane Middlebrook.
She had this notion that, in Jane Eyre, Bertha Poole was really a manifestation of Jane’s anger
toward Rochester. I thought that was ridiculous and said so in my final paper. The TA gave me
a horrible grade, a C- I think, and so I petitioned and asked for the professor to regrade the paper.
She did so, and lowered my grade, writing, I will never forgot: “you are fundamentally incapable
of writing a coherent sentence.” I was devastated and decided, on the spot, to drop out of
Stanford since I clearly was not up to the task. On the way to the car to go drop out, I had to pass
the psychology department, so I went in to get my final grade in Mind Control. By chance, Phil
was in the hall outside the office of his long time secretary, Roseanne, and asked me what I was
there for. We did not know each other at all, and I told him I was there to get my grade. He
asked my name and I told him and he looked really shocked, and said, “you? I thought I would
know the person.” I feared that meant I failed, but I drummed up my courage and asked him
what he meant and he said that I got the highest grade in the class. I burst out crying and said that
was impossible because, after all, I was fundamentally incapable of writing a coherent sentence.
Again, he looked shocked and asked what I was talking about; I told him that was what
Middlebrook had just told me. He scoffed, waved his hand like brushing off a fly and said, “well,
she doesn’t know what she is talking about and I am famous so you should believe me and not
her.” And so, unbeknownst to him, he kept me from dropping out of Stanford. That was the first
of many times when Phil saved me either personally or professionally.
The following year, he asked me to TA the mind control class. I vividly remember going into
meet in his office the day after Christmas in 1984 for a meeting with all the TAs. I left 5 hours
later absolutely convinced that we would be friends for life. And I was right. The list of his gifts
to me is long and profound. When I was kicked out of graduate school because I did not have a

dissertation topic more closely in line with the research interests of the political science faculty, I
did not know where to turn. After a week or so of really struggling, I called him up one day out
of the blue. He was very busy and had no real reason to help me; at that point, I was not formally
his student. But he stopped everything and talked to me on the phone for over an hour,
demonstrating a compassion I have rarely experienced in my life before or since. He helped me
figure out what to do, how to take a leave and return in good standing, which is exactly what I
was able to do. I would not have even known how to do that without his help. Once I returned,
he convinced the chair of the Political Science department, Steve Krasner, to let me TA psych 1
for him rather than have to do a second class in political science, saving me countless hours of
agony. That class, which had 744 students, used scantron exams and I was the one to score them
and over time recognized some differences in people’s handwriting signing their names. This
led to the largest cheating scandal in Stanford history, where numerous students were expelled
and others suspended. When I wanted to get a master’s degree in psychology while I was doing
my PhD in Political Science, and everyone told me that was not possible, he was the one who
told me about a university rule that required any department to give a masters to a student getting
a PhD in the other department. When the Psychology department then said I needed 9 graduate
classes to get this Masters and they only offered 8 because their own PhD students only needed
4, he told me that there was a rule the required the Psychology department to accept credit from
classes in the Psychiatry Department at the medical school. So his graduate student Lisa Butler
and I did the entire pre-clinical core in psychiatry so that I could get to the requisite number of
courses. He helped train me as an apprentice in his lab, and I co-authored various papers with
him. He sat on my dissertation committee (and had me cook him dinner the night of my orals
because he has been teaching all day!). He wrote the letters of recommendation, a task he
always hated, for me to get my postdoctoral fellowship in psychiatry at UCSF and then my job at
Cornell. Being accidentally seated next to another mentor of mine, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita,
on a cross country flight, he plotted to nominate me for membership in the American Academy
of Arts and Sciences. It is no exaggeration whatsoever to say that without Phil, I would not have
an academic career.
But despite all those incredible professional gifts, the strongest memories I have are of how
much fun he was. Phil and Chris were always incredibly generous and amazing hosts, having
epic parties at their phenomenal house. Phil was an enthusiastic and gifted cook. They were also
very gracious in letting me housesit, and the vast majority of my dissertation was written at his
desk and his computer. I think I somehow hoped some of his genius would leak through the
machine into me. Phil and Chris were both generous beyond belief, and one of the greatest gifts
he ever gave me was to introduce me to his wonderful family, and include me in family events,
holidays and even travel, offering me a constant source of warmth, refuge and comfort.
He was always filled with energy and enthusiasm: brilliant and perceptive and thoughtful and
creative and very, very witty. He was also just a lot of fun to be around. I remember when I was
the TA for Mind Control, my section decided to try to create a cult and held a “Moon at Noon”
event where they got hundreds of students to drop their pants at noon in front of the claw outside
the Stanford book store. It was covered by the Chronicle with a front page picture. I am sure he
got in a lot of trouble for that, but he loved the spectacle and never gave me a hard time about it. We had a student who was, at the time, a member of the Rajneesh cult up in Bend, Oregon and
we all got in the car with Bob Vallone, another graduate student in psychology, and went up there
for the weekend. We had to wear dull colored clothes to identify us as non-members but we
participated in watching the Bhagwan ride around in his Rolls Royce at noon.
Phil even walked me down the aisle when I got married, turning to me before we started with the
most quintessential Phil line ever, saying, “you know, I can walk you in either direction.” This
was Phil to a fault: insightful, loving and loyal. No one could ever ask for a better friend. I will
miss him terribly for the rest of my life, but I feel so blessed to have shared such a rich and
textured friendship with him for so many years. I know his legacy will last for generations
through his vast body of work and the innumerable students he influenced. But I also know the
hole in my heart will last forever. – Rose McDermott

Professor Philip Zimbardo was our Patron and Friend. In 2014 we opened together an extraordinary place on the map of Nikiszowiec (Poland): Zimbardo Center for the local community. It has become a symbol of the positive changes which happened here. Together we made this world better. Thank you Philip! Rest in peace. – The Local Initiatives Factory Association on Legacy

10 years of the Zimbardo Center in Nikiszoweic, Poland

Phil is and will always be a giant in our field. We often spoke with pride about our Sicilian heritage. Phil did so much for so many over the years and enriched so many lives- mine included. I know it sounds trite, but Phil made the world a better place through his massive body of creative work, his many teaching and speaking engagements, and his philanthropic efforts. Spending time with Phil and Christina, as we did in Caracas in 1990 and at so many CPP functions over the years, brought me great joy. What I always admired most about Phil was his fire and zeal for social justice. On top of that, he was also a great storyteller, not to mention a dear friend. RIP cara Filippo. – Wayne Cascio, Distinguished University Professor of Management Emeritus, University of Colorado

From the first moment we met I was surprised by your smile, your joy and the strength of your lightness. Your firm belief in human nature was visible in every little gesture or word and I followed you. You taught me to be better and to move forward, despite everything, with strength and courage, making the most of every experience, negative or positive. To believe in the possibility of discovering the light in myself and in others, despite the shadows, even when it is small or hidden. You gave me the opportunity to live a friendship, true, spontaneous and sincere. Thank you for everything my friend. The moment in which, despite the age difference and the many other differences, you defined our relationship as a true friendship remains indelible in me. You have always known how to surprise me, with your great generosity, authenticity and creativity. Rest in peace. – Mauro Cozzolino on Legacy

If I only knew his work, I would still think he was a great person. But I was lucky to meet him,
to talk with him, and I got to know a wonderful HUMAN BEING.
Phil, rest in peace, we’ll carry the torch forward! – Kristza, Heroes’ Square Foundation in Budapest

The Enduring Legacy of Professor Philip Zimbardo in Poland

Professor Philip Zimbardo was not only a brilliant psychologist but also a man with a generous heart and exceptional oratory skills, who profoundly impacted Poland and my own life. His work left a lasting mark on education, psychology, and the lives of countless individuals.

Since 2012, Phil collaborated with Polish universities, local governments, and schools, addressing challenges in post-industrial regions. In Nikiszowiec, a historic mining district in Katowice, he founded the Zimbardo Youth Center—a place where young people could learn, grow, and dream. This vibrant center continues to transform lives, embodying his vision of hope and opportunity.

Phil made history with Polish TEDx events, delivering unforgettable lectures on “ordinary heroism” and contemporary masculinity. His inspiring talks deeply moved audiences, encouraging reflection on courage and the individual’s role in a changing world.

For over a decade, I had the honor of leading the Heroic Imagination Project (HIP) in Poland, inspired by Phil’s mission to empower communities. Through workshops, lectures, and teacher training, HIP equipped thousands with tools to overcome stereotypes, build resilience, and embrace everyday heroism. His support also enriched my personal projects, including his thoughtful foreword to my book on exclusion and harmony.

Phil’s influence extended to Polish academia, where he inspired students and scholars alike. From an honorary doctorate in Kraków to lectures in Warsaw, Wrocław, and Katowice, his presence sparked innovation and connection. Together, we showcased Poland’s achievements on the global stage, including his 2022 lecture in Dubai on “ordinary heroism.”

Phil’s belief in the power of psychological education as a force for positive change will guide me forever. His legacy lives on in the communities he inspired, the lives he changed, and the countless hearts he encouraged to discover their own greatness.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Agnieszka Wilczynska

What a legend who I am certain will continue to inspire for a very long time. Phil Zimbardo was, and is, my psychology hero and I still remember the first time I heard about his work as a teenager. Now, I use his work to inspire my own students. May his legacy live on. RIP Phil 🕯️- Jo Merritt on LinkedIn

Dr. Zimbardo made an incredible impact not only on psychology but on the lives of people all over the world. His was a life well lived and we should all aspire to make such a positive impact on the lives of others. He did make the world a better place and will continue to do so through everything he has written and how he has inspired others. – Eugene Herrmann on LinkedIn

What a tremendous loss. My condolences to his family and all who knew him and all who were inspired by his work. I recall learning about him as a senior in my high school AP Psychology class, as well as reading his book “The Lucifer Effect.” His work was profoundly intriguing, memorable, thought provoking. His work was certainly a strong contributor towards my passion for the field of psychology and influences the work I do to this day. His legacy will certainly continue. May he rest in peace 🪷 – Romina Schnelle on LinkedIn

I remember the dinners I enjoyed with Phil in Naples in 2019, over mozzarella and wine from Campania, talking about past and future projects, after he had thrilled the audience at the Italian congress with his theories on everyday heroism. Farewell Phil, hero of psychology as a useful science to make society better! – Santo Di Nuovo on Legacy

I had the honor of learning from Dr. Z and later TA’ing for his class at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. He was a great mentor and I will always remember his kindness, his curiosity, his passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, and the boundless energy he actively applied towards improving both the lives of individuals and society as a whole. – Erin Heinemeyer on Legacy

Ho avuto il grande piacere di incontrarlo e di conoscerlo a Corleone in occasione di una delle sue visite in Sicilia.
Grande persona piena di umanità. – Angelo Scuderi on LinkedIn

Such a wonderful person who meant so much for so many. What a loss for the world psychology. One of the happy moments we had with him in Prague, Czech Republic where he met President Vaclav Havel and received a prize from him. Thank you, Phil for what you did for all of us. – Martina Klicperova on Legacy

There is not one course I gave, in my now 35-year teaching career, where I did not mention Zimbardo’s name and work…His TED talk on the Psychology of Evil (2008) has been a most inspirational, influential material in each Social Psychology class I gave. Rest in peace, Dr. Phil, your legacy continues to grow with every new generation of psychologists. – Rita Mufarrij Merhej on LinkedIn

For almost 60 years, you have been one of Those People in my life. There aren’t many. I’m so grateful that you’re there. And I feel privileged to have known you for so long – waaaay back to when we both first arrived at Stanford, you as a prof and me as a freshman. Being able to see you in the dining hall at the dorm – re-vising the Psych 101 textbook while you and Chris canoodled behind the filing cabinets – hypnosis and how working with you totally opened me up to the limitless possibilities of the brain – being your assistant, a job you offered me to help me get back to Stanford when my father cut me off – the last semester when I turned up for the job and Rosanne was behind the desk and you came out of your office with an envelope… “You didn’t expect me to make you work your last semester at Stanford!” – your generosity! – and my father years later wanting to shake your hand to thank you for making everything possible for me – you coming to Italy when a bunch of Stanford pals were there celebrating our 50th birthdays – you teaching – you lecturing – a force of nature, always curious, always excited about something. Always joyful. I LOVE YOU!! – Jocelyn Stevenson

My favorite memory of Dr. Zimbardo is at the Western Psych. Association’s annual conference in Reno back in 2013, celebrating his 80th birthday. This meant so much to me and it was unreal to have had an opportunity to finally meet one of my professional heroes. Dr. Zimbardo – you are one of the reasons I became so interested in correctional psychology and have continued to be inspired by you for so many years. The mark you left on my life will last a lifetime. Thank you, you will be so missed. – Kristin Kolbinski on Legacy

Although I never had Dr. Zimbardo as a professor, I was a student at NYU (University Heights campus in the Bronx) when he conducted his experiment with abandoned cars that he observed just off campus (right outside my dorm room) and then compared his observations with those in Palo Alto. Even back then, he and his work were well-known on campus. Dr. Zimbardo remained loyal to NYU, even contributing an essay to the Memory Book published in 2023 to commemorate the sale of the Heights campus 50 years earlier. He also took part in an interview for the commemorative video made for that event. The NYU alumni are so honored and thankful for his contributions. – Elizabeth Pimintel, posted on Legacy

To my friend and biggest mentor: Meeting you, working and travelling with you over the course of a decade, changed my life Phil. You were such a cool cat, such an inspiring force, such a charismatic leader, but most of all such a beautiful, strong and sensitive human being. You touched many hearts and intellects; in mine you left a legacy.
Rest in Power. ❤️ – Sina Sujatha Schwache on LinkedIn

Phil was one of the most wonderful people I´ve ever met, and his generosity, friendliness, and humility always touched me. His scholarships to promote the excellence of young Sicilian students were a testament to his munificence and deep love for his heritage. I was always proud of Phil’s friendship…He will be dearly missed. -Sandro Russo

Dear Phil,
You would not be surprised that I found myself best able to share my memories in the
form of a personal letter to you. To write otherwise would have felt artificial.
We met in the fall of 1967, when you gave a colloquium presentation for the
Psychology Department at Dartmouth College, where I was a senior. You described your
research on vandalism and social upheaval, with insights that would shape your theory of
deindividuation. Fascinated, I approached you at the lectern, told you that yours was the
most exciting work I had encountered in social psychology, and expressed my interest in
studying for a doctorate with you. But… you were at New York University, and coming from a
small-town in Arizona I couldn’t quite picture myself living in New York City. You told me
that you had accepted a position at Stanford University, and you encouraged me to apply.

By the time I received my acceptance letter from Stanford in the spring of 1968, I had
recognized what we Quakers call a “leading” to commit myself to the rising movement for
peace and justice. The Stanford Psychology Department generously held a place for me
through four years of training and organizing for nonviolent action campaigns. You and I
maintained communication. In the fall of 1971, ready to enroll the next year, I visited you on
campus. Jordan Hall was closed for renovation. You graciously spent most of an afternoon
introducing me to faculty and students, and touring the research facilities that were
dispersed around the campus. Your thoughtfulness showed me that as your student I would
be a valued junior colleague.
When I arrived at Stanford in the fall of 1972, you were a focus of controversy. The
1971 Stanford Prison Simulation Experiment was gaining prominence, and your research
grant from the Office of Naval Research had been selected in a student poll as the most
despised military contract on campus. You explained that the ONR statement of purpose – to
identify and neutralize dissident elements in the Navy – was their language, not yours. The
grant enabled you to explore the human capacity to preserve dignity and act with autonomy
under extreme pressure to yield to authority. And yet I was concerned… What would we do if
I became centrally important to a project of yours, only to discover that my role violated my
conscience? After a moment’s reflection, you told me that in that case I should withdraw from
the project, regardless of the impact on your research. You added that if you found that my
dissertation research violated your conscience, you would withdraw your support,
jeopardizing my degree and my professional prospects. “Agreed!,” I said. We smiled, shook
hands warmly, and in that moment formed an enduring bond that we both cherished.
Kahlil Gibran’s Prophet said that the wise teacher “does not bid you enter the house of
his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.” Phil, you inspired and
guided me, yet it was evident that you were happiest when I explored my own path, even
when my interests diverged from yours.
I was one of your team of graduate assistants for the large introductory Psychology
class, to which you voluntarily added a seminar on teaching – a gift that gave me a
foundation of invaluable skills. You invited me to co-teach Social Psychology in Action, an
undergraduate course that fostered active engagement with social issues. When I organized
the Action Research Liaison Office to enable Stanford students to conduct research for
community organizations with faculty supervision, your support attracted other faculty,
reassured administrators, and made ARLO possible.
You offered me many special experiences that empowered me and facilitated my
development, both as a psychologist and as a person. Your training in self-hypnosis enriched
my inner resources. When you hosted me in your home for an intense week of upgrading the
Instructor’s Manual for your acclaimed textbook, Psychology and Life, my writing skills were
refined as I relished the joy of collaborating with you. The opening of the new Napa County
Jail brought an opportunity for field research with the County’s Criminal Justice Planner,

Phil Zimbardo – Jamie’s memories, for family and friends – 2024-1108 Page 2
observing and documenting the reactions of citizens who volunteered to roleplay arrestees.
As they were booked and incarcerated, we witnessed interactions and changes in emotion
and cognition consistent with your work on institutional dehumanization. (Such was your
notoriety by then that when the Sheriff discovered I was your graduate student he terminated
the study and sequestered the data we had gathered, but the experience I had with those
profoundly affected “ordinary people” was unforgettable.)
Our personal friendship was as important to me as our professional relationship, Phil.
I know that was true for you as well. A few years after I finished my doctorate, I held a
research appointment at Yale when your sister, Vera Massimino, was approaching the end of
her life due to cancer. You had longstanding commitments that prevented you from coming
to New Haven, so you asked me to visit her on your behalf. With her husband, John, I sat by
her hospital bed holding her hands, laughing together as we exchanged stories of your
childhood between spasms of pain. John told me it was the first time he had seen her smile
and heard her laugh in weeks or months. It was a great privilege for me to be there for you,
and to attend her memorial mass. And there was the time when I visited your hospital room
as you recuperated from hip surgery. It must have been before the invention of pneumatic leg
massage devices, because at your request I rubbed your stiff, painful legs. That intimate
moment made me feel more like a brother than a former student.
From Maya Angelou’s poem, “When Great Trees Fall”:
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.
I’m sure you realized the depth and power of your influence in my life, Phil. I don’t
doubt that you knew how dearly I loved you. My regret that I allowed myself to drift out of
touch with you in these last years is beyond expression. I’m grateful that this online archive
of memories allows me to celebrate your enduring contributions to Psychology and the world,
and to affirm above all your kindness as my mentor and treasured friend.
With deepest sympathy to Christina, and to all your family and friends.
– Jamie Newton

I met Dr. Zimbardo at WPA conference in Sacramento 2017. I was surprised at how soft spoken he was. I don’t think he knew how starstruck us students were to see him in person! He was a rockstar of psychology! We spoke about my undergraduate research which was related to effects of nature on human well-being, and he shared a story from his childhood related to a small tree in a park near where he grew up. I was fortunate enough to hear his lecture on Heroic Imagination Project in person, and it was so moving and inspiring. I met him again at the WPA conference in Pasadena in 2019, and he was in a wheelchair then. I am grateful for his presence and support at those conferences, and his kindness to take time and talk to students about their projects. He will be missed…Rest in Peace Dr. Zimbardo. We will keep your light on. – Aleksandra Milanovic on Legacy

I had the privilege to co-lecture with Phil in Vienna in 2007 – and he deeply touched our lives (of students and anyone involved). He was truly dedicated, inspiring, and truly wanted to make our world a better place. He will be greatly missed! 💔 – Antonija Pacek on LinkedIn

I raised my children to be “heroes in waiting”, inspired by Dr. Zimbardo. Twenty plus years later, they are world citizens – using their voice to do good in the world. May he rest in peace. May we have leaders who stand on the shoulders of giants to inspire the next generation. – Pamela Anderson on LinkedIn

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Zimbardo and collaborate on a project we were working on together. He was encouraging, supportive, and inspirational. His words meant a world to us. He was instrumental in our success and the work of his hands will be evident in the generations to come. He was a legend and will be missed tremendously. – Sia Kal on LinkedIn

“Piero, avresti un minuto per me?”. Il mio prevedibile “sì, certo” fu preceduto da un’inevitabile sensazione di disorientamento: ero appena arrivato a Stanford, dove avrei trascorso sei mesi come visiting student, e stavo vivendo un clamoroso (forse il più inatteso) capovolgimento di ruoli—chi conosce la cultura italiana sa a cosa mi riferisco.

Nei modi di Phil Zimbardo c’era cura e gentilezza, le stesse che avrei rivisto tante altre volte nei vent’anni a seguire. Il professore diventò presto Phil e, in poco tempo, un mentore nonché grande amico.

Ci incontravamo ogni anno in Sicilia, terra di origine di entrambi, dove elargiva borse di studio attraverso la fondazione che aveva istituito nel 2005. Tra pranzi e cene interminabili, parlavamo di vita, del normale quotidiano e di psicologia. L’ho visto ridere di cuore e commuoversi fino alle lacrime; sono testimone del suo sconfinato amore per le persone e del suo incrollabile ottimismo (“Il meglio deve ancora venire”, ripeteva ormai prossimo ai 90 anni).

Conoscere Phil è stato un privilegio. Ho dato quello che ho potuto, ricevendo tantissimo sia a livello umano che professionale. Mi fa felice averglielo detto mentre era in vita.

Nell’ultimo anno scriveva sempre meno e, diversamente da prima, era di poche parole. Sono stato io così a prendere più spesso l’iniziativa, fino all’ultima volta, i primi di ottobre, quando ho condiviso un ricordo divertente di qualche anno fa. Non ha mai risposto, ma so di avergli strappato un sorriso.

– Piero Bocchiaro

Philip Zimbardo influenced my work in so many ways and I am greatful for his bold and humble contribution to the human science of psychology. He was so accessible and clear in this academic world full of ivory towers. His advice to our Brown Eyed Blue Eyed exercise of Jane Elliott and our exchanges about the Heroic Imagination Project here in Europe was delightful. His work will still be a great contribution and his thoughts are living though in our work and lives. – Şeydâ Buurman-Kutsal on LinkedIn

It’s hard to write about Phil without resorting to clichés and superlatives. He was charismatic, with enormous energy and a forceful but kind demeanor. I was dazzled by him, and although my own research was in the biological side of psychology, I was always fascinated by social psychology. Perhaps my best friend in the department was Lee Ross, justly famous himself, who greatly admired Phil and understood his work more deeply than most.

I arrived at the Psychology department shortly after Phil’s prison experiment had concluded. The first talk I remember attending by a member of the department was Phil’s discussion of the experiment with Stanford faculty and students outside of psychology. Phil was a presence for my entire time in the department, even after his retirement, based on his legendary teaching of Psych 1 and his wide exposure in the academic field and in the media. For several years in the 70’s, Phil and Chris hosted our faculty at their beautiful home in San Francisco after the annual evaluation meeting of our graduate students, a stellar social event that contributed to the cohesiveness of the faculty. I miss him, especially in these fraught times. – Jeff Wine

Phil Zimbardo nurtured my love of research, when he served on my dissertation committee at Stanford, and helped me see that research that didn’t carry risk of failure and rejection probably wasn’t worth doing. He showed me that work and life could be passionately intertwined, enriching both. But, most memorably, he taught me how to teach – and not only by his superb example. When I was one of the army of TAs he had in Introductory Psychology, I – like each TA – held a “section” meeting one evening each week for about 15 of the undergrads in the course. He gave each of us the opportunity to hold our section one week in his lab, which had a small video camera unobtrusively mounted in a corner of the ceiling. I’ll never forget how he sat with me one afternoon, going through the video of my session with me, asking what I thought of each section of the lesson, offering feedback, and discussing ways I might improve. In my 47 years as an academic, I never forgot those lessons. And I’ll never forget the dear and amazing person who was Phil Zimbardo. -Teresa Amabile

I will be forever grateful for having known and worked with Phil on various projects since the early 1990s. He was an inspiration, a titan in the pantheon of social psychology, whose multiple legacies will live on for generations to come. His enthusiasm for ideas, for thought, for life was exemplary and extraordinary. Rest in peace, Phil. – Mark McDermott on LinkedIn

Thank you, dear Phil, for your incredible generosity, your love of humanity, and your passion for psychology. May each one of us, numerous students who have had the chance of meeting you all over the world, carry a spark of this for as long as we live and pass it on. – Evgeny Osin on Legacy

I came to teach at Stanford in 1977 in the Drama Department. Philip became an early mentor, and one of the highlights of decades of teaching was our Team-taught class: “Psychology and Drama” in the 1980’s. His brillance and insight into the human spirit was a guiding light to me over the years. I treasured our friendship and knew I could count on him as a colleague and ally. His creation of the Heroic Imagination project is a testament to the way he inspired everyday people to be their best selves. Philip and Christina were a magical couple, leading millions into the light. I shall miss his laughter and the twinkle in his eyes. His legacy is a great one. – Patricia Madson Ryan on Legacy

My Dearest Phil,
I am not usually a loss for words, but I am having a very hard time expressing everything I want to say to you. It is difficult for me to comprehend that you are no longer with us. I realize now that I irrationally thought you would somehow live forever,
you were such an indomitable spirit and force in the world… There are too many memories and emotions to share now, and too many things I wished I had said directly to you. When I came to Stanford, it was what I like to think of as the “golden era” of psychology there. The department was already filled with a bevy of hall of fame psychologists—Al Bandura, Eleanor Maccoby, Gordon Bower, Walter Mischel, Karl Pribram, among others—but no one’s star shined brighter than yours. You were charismatic and brilliant and generous. Your love of ideas was infectious and we, your students, were the fortunate beneficiaries of your gifts. You and I had much in common and there was a strong connection between us from the outset. We both came from working class backgrounds, grew up in East Coast cities, and saw academic achievement as a pathway to better things.

We also loved and played sports—most people who knew you later in life probably didn’t know that you were a gifted athlete–and you and I prowled the outfield together on the legendary Psycho softball team which, despite being made up of a couple of professors and a group of nerdy psychology graduate
students, were a force to be reckoned with in the Stanford intramural league. We also were both going through divorces and had a child from our previous marriages that lived far away, whom we dearly missed. So we bonded quickly and on many levels. You were my teacher and graduate mentor, to be sure, but you also were my friend and, in many ways, the older brother I never had. When you sensed I was becoming disaffected with graduate school and was homesick, you made a suggestion that ended up changing my professional life, sending me back to the East Coast to look into the case of a man on New Jersey’s death row. The experience allowed me to begin to crystalize connections between the disparate disciplines of psychology and law, something I have ended up working on for five decades. Even though these new interests were far afield from the work you were doing, you gave me the freedom to pursue them and validated my decision to do so. It was early legitimation that helped shape the rest of my professional career. Of course, shortly after that, we conducted the Stanford Prison Experiment together, a collaboration that bound us inextricably and forever. I know neither you nor I knew at the time that this study would take on the iconic status it did, or that we would be repeatedly called on to defend the integrity of the research from scurrilous attacks many decades later. The professional and life lessons I learned from you over these many years are far too numerous to recount. It goes without saying that you were instrumental in giving me the intellectual tools that shaped my academic career. But the lesson I value the most is one that does not get mentioned often enough when people praise your extraordinary contributions to the world. That lesson came from the many times I witnessed you manifest the rare courage to truly speak truth to power. You not only manifested that courage yourself but also instilled it in so many of your students, myself included. Indeed, you were an extraordinary role model, inspiring all of your acolytes to emulate your passion, intellectual and political courage, sheer brilliance, teaching prowess, and generosity of spirit, no matter how far short we fell in trying to live up to your example. Later in your career—again, in a way that so many of us have learned from–you continued to dedicate yourself to the greater social good, spreading the gospel of a humane, social justice-oriented psychology far and wide, touching lives all over the world, in much the same way you touched the lives of your students. The world is an immeasurably better place for your presence in it. In recent years, I cherished the all too few times we were able to attend Giants games together, where I learned more about your worldwide exploits and humanitarian works. I wish there had been more of them, in the same way I wished I had said out loud the things I have written here. But I hope and believe that, in your heart, you intuitively knew how much I admired and loved you, my dear friend and brother. I miss you terribly. May you rest in peace Phil, in the knowledge that the extraordinary good you did in the world lives on in
the countless lives you touched and in those you taught so well.
– Craig Haney

A part of me always hoped Dr. Z was immortal. His influence is the reason I chose to pursue psychology and work towards making a positive impact in a world full of challenges. Though I only had the chance to meet him over Zoom, his mindset shaped who I am today. I’m deeply grateful for the impact he had on my life, and his legacy will continue to inspire me and many, many others. – Rana Akturk on Legacy

It is with profound sorrow that we gather to honor the life and legacy of Philip G. Zimbardo, a luminary in the field of psychology, who passed away on October 14, 2024. Dr. Zimbardo’s contributions to academia, research, and the broader understanding of human behavior have left an indelible mark on our world. Dr. Zimbardo’s research was groundbreaking and far-reaching.

His work on the Stanford Prison Experiment shed light on the power of situational forces and the potential for both good and evil within us. His findings resonated beyond academic circles, influencing prison reform and the understanding of power dynamics in society. Phil’s passion for psychology extended beyond the classroom and the laboratory. He was a beloved educator, known for his charismatic teaching style and his dedication to making psychology accessible and engaging. His textbooks, “Psychology and Life” and “Psychology: Core Concepts,” have been staples in introductory psychology courses, shaping the minds of countless students. Dr. Zimbardo’s warmth and enthusiasm for psychology were palpable. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Phil” by students around the world, a testament to his approachability and his commitment to sharing the wonders of psychology with all who sought to learn. As we mourn the loss of Dr. Zimbardo, we also celebrate his life and the impact he has had on our understanding of the human psyche. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the research he inspired, and the generations of psychologists he mentored. Farewell, Dr. Zimbardo. Your wisdom, your kindness, and your dedication to psychology will forever be remembered. – Yu Cheng on Legacy

It’s with profound sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Dr. Philip Zimbardo. Phil’s work in psychology, especially the Stanford Prison Experiment and his books like The Lucifer Effect and The Time Paradox, fundamentally changed how we understand power, authority, and the human capacity for both good and evil. His groundbreaking research on how ordinary people can be influenced by toxic systems shaped my own work on cults and authoritarian control. Beyond his brilliant mind, Phil was a compassionate and generous soul who dedicated his life to making the world more just. I’ll miss our deep conversations, his insights, and his warmth. Rest in peace, Phil—your legacy lives on in all of us who learned from you. – Steve Hassan

Remembering my friend and mentor Dr. Philip Zimbardo

First time I met him online from the library of Hoover Institution, then he invited me to his house in Lombard Street for omelet and wine. We talked for hours. I have joined his HIP, he endorsed my scientific work. He called me friend. I will continue his work as much as I can. – Maciej Milczanowski on Legacy

Dr. Zimbardo was a dedicated innovator in understanding the dynamics of human behavior and inspired many of us seeking self and societal truth. He was a mentor, a teacher and a friend. You demonstrated a life well lived. Thank you for your life of service Philip. You will truly be missed, but never forgotten. – Efren A. Delgado on LinkedIn

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Zimbardo at a featured presentation he made in Ohio. He was so gracious to the several hundred attendees who stood in line and asked for a picture with him or requested him to sign one of his books. He remained in the theater until everyone in line was met and had a chance to shake his hand. I am forever impressed by his humility, presence, and accomplishments. Thank you, Sir, for your many accomplishments and contributions to society. – Christopher L. Edmonds on Legacy

Phil, your work is what inspired me to enter into the field of psychology as a licensed counselor. Your passion and dedication to our industry go beyond measure, and now, a valued legacy to transcend impact on further generations to come explore the science of human behavior. May your soul rest in peace. – Stephanie Klewin on LinkedIn

It’s hard to even imagine he is gone. Chatting with him, working with him, drinking espresso, going to conferences and teaching with Phil were some of the most enjoyable and thought and action provoking experiences of my life. He was an incredible person who impacted thousands, perhaps millions of people. We will miss him. – Valerie Wolfe on LinkedIn

Carissimo Phil che privilegio e´ stato studiare le tue ricerche e tuoi libri e che grande onore e piacere aver potuto diventare tuoi amici e partecipare a momenti indimenticabili come il tuo novantesimo o compleanno a San Francisco . Per noi sei stato un maestro e un amico indimenticabile. Continueremo con il progetto Hip nel tuo nome e nel tuo esempio… con profondo affetto e gratitudine. – Giovanna Celia on Legacy

I was honored to learn from him in his Shyness class/seminar many years ago at Stanford. It was a very small and cozy class in which he shared his research in and passion for shyness and psychology. It was one of the most memorable learning experiences for me in college: to learn from one of the greatest minds in psychology in such an intimate setting. A special bonus was visiting his beautiful home in San Francisco.

Thank you for your dedication and willingness to share what you know in creative and meaningful ways, Professor Zimbardo. – Alex Gurevich on LinkedIn

In 2004 when Dr. Zimbardo invited me to speak to his students at Stanford, I had no idea it would be the beginning of a decades long friendship. Over the years, we enjoyed many long telephone conversations about our various projects and creative endeavors.

Phil eventually invited me to participate in a book project he was undertaking with Nikita Duncan, and although that book never received much attention, I have always felt proud and privileged to have my name on the cover of that book alongside that of the iconic Phil Zimbardo. What remains the most meaningful aspect of our connection, however, are the many ways that Phil supported and mentored my current career as a relationship coach as well as an author. His belief in me inspired me to be more and to do more. Based upon the many tributes on this page, it is obvious that Dr. Z, as he was affectionately known, inspired and lifted up thousands of us. His was a life based on service and his down to earth demeanor touched hearts around the world. Love you Phil! – Veronica Monet on Legacy

I first met Philip in 2012 while attending Stanford undergraduate psychology conference. At that time I was a clinical psychology student in Russia and I absolutely admired his energy, keen interest in everything and kind attention to people. He listened to me carefully and gave valuable comments when I told him about my research. That was a true gift. Since that time we kept in touch mostly via email and every time he supported me. Philip is a person who truly inspired me with his passion for psychology science, teaching and helping people. His kindness, warmth, curiosity, flexible thinking and bright presentation style gave me an example for therapy, teaching and research. Thank you for everything, Philip. Rest in peace. – Mikhail Budnikov on Legacy

Nel corso della vita, a volte, seppur raramente, incontri persone che inevitabilmente cambiano il tuo destino e la tua vita per sempre…

spesso sono i cantanti a “metterti in testa strane idee”, a farti credere che un mondo migliore è possibile e che, come diceva Michael Jackson, ‘if you wanna make the world a better place, then make a change!”, che il cambiamento, deve partire da noi stessi. Ma a 15 anni ti chiedi “come è possibile? da dove devo partire”…poi un giorno, casualmente vedi in tv un tizio, un po’ più grande di te e con tanta esperienza in più che cerca di tradurre certi sogni in realtà, fornendoti quegli strumenti che cerchi da tanto tempo…ecco cos’è stato per me Phil, lui traduceva quei testi in realtà, e ti faceva davvero credere in un mondo, un futuro migliore. Ho provato a comunicare certi concetti e certe emozioni a centinaia di studenti italiani e l’effetto è stato contagioso, soltanto chi prova ad intraprendere tale viaggio può raccontarlo e cantarlo al mondo intero: “Can You Feel It”?…questo lo dicevano i Jacksons, erano fratelli e simbolo di “fratellanza”, ciò che forse un tempo era naturale vivere e che adesso, forse, abbiamo dimenticato…

Grazie Phil, Can You PHIL it?

Salvatore Cianciabella

Phil’s warmth, zest for life, friendliness, encouragement, brilliant work, and kind & loving heart will be remembered and memories cherished. Philip’s warmth, engaging personality, friendliness to one and all, tirelessness, zest, encouragement, dedication, outstanding contributions to psychology, and his kind and loving heart are, and will continue to be, remembered with immense gratitude. He is and will be greatly missed and ever appreciated. Thank you Phil. 💖 – Debbie Joffe Ellis on LinkedIn

Philip you were an incredible mentor and an inspiration to me throughout my career. Your charisma, kindness, and thoughtfulness will always be with me. – Asif Bhatti on LinkedIn

Whenever I’m asked to name my most memorable Stanford class, I never hesitate to say it was Phil Zimbardo’s Intro to Psychology course. He was a captivating presence and you never wanted to miss a single class. It’s fascinating now to read about some of his pioneering research and think about how prescient he was about what can happen to a society that loses the connective tissue of human relationships. – Bill Burger on Legacy

Phil was a great friend to so many around the world. We will miss his charm, enthusiasm, and infectious curiosity so deftly balanced by a firm urgency and concern. What a treat to have known him and make memories during the trips to Cammarata and Corleone for his foundation. He made so much out of the time he was given. – Brian Karimzad on Legacy

One of the highlights of my Stanford freshman year in 1975 was taking Professor Zimbardo´s Psych 101 class. He was a truly gifted scholar who made academia interesting and dynamic and made me a lifelong enthusiast of all facets of behavioral science. – Loree Quismorio on Legacy

We had the pleasure of working with Dr. Zimbardo and meeting him personally during a conference in Florence. We will never forget his wisdom, his kindness and his incredible energy. A person so special will never be forgotten. – the team of Giunti Psicologia.io

I learned today that you had travelled on, Phil. Immediately, a flood of memories … all of them a gift, all of them reminding me how wonderful life was – and still is – all of them imbued with your warmth, enthusiasm and generosity – always insisting that everyone, anyone, can partake and add to the great joy and privilege of being alive. Your magnanimity – there was never a more generous host – your exuberance – there never was a better teacher (I sat in on a class you gave at Stanford in the early `80s – I was thrilled: how much there was to know about who we are and why!). Your friendship over the years has meant more to me – and I know to Bob, too – than I´ve words for. I´m attaching a favorite photo of you both. We were so lucky to know and love you Phil, go well! – Sally Mallam Ornstein on Legacy

Goodbye beloved friend and mentor. RIP. Thank you so very deeply for always being in my corner! I will forever cherish every moment spent with you! I am profoundly sad today. Also, I am delighted to know you have lived an inspiring, multifaceted extraordinary life! Our world is a better place because of you! Thank you for that! With endless love and admiration! – Yotam Heineberg on Legacy

Professor Zimbardo is a true giant. Almost every student in psychology major has read your books, and for me, although I have never met you, you are like a beacon of light in my life.

The first time I came into contact with you was through your book “Introduction to Psychology,” in which you used simple and easy-to-understand language to convey difficult knowledge, which sparked my great interest in psychology. Later, I read your book “Psychology and Life,” and from then on, I also embarked on the path of psychology. Before reading your books, I was lost and didn’t know what I wanted to do in the future. It was you who guided me towards my future path. You occupy an important position in history, just like wheat that bears seeds, giving direction to countless beginners in psychology. We will continue to move forward with your ideas and spirit. – Hazel Lam on Legacy

VALE Professor Zimbardo. A thought leader of epic proportions, transforming the way we understand how to treat each other in powerful situations, the strength of conformity and the evil that flourishes without humane reflection. The “Lucifer Effect” was one of the most seminal books in my practice as an IO Psychologist, investigating workplace bullying complaints. I thank you for everything you taught me from your insightful work, a continent away and years after your academic discoveries. – Elizabeth Norris on LinkedIn

RIP Phil my marvellous friend. I first met Phil at a conference in Telluride, Colorado. We kept in touch, he supported my studies and work in the area of Art and Italian with young people. Phil was great fun. I will always remember his love of Italy. I was privileged enough to work with him and other wonderful people as part of the ZL foundation in Sicily. I will always remember his kind words that uplifted and encouraged me and others too. I learned just how important courage really is. – Ellen Barrett on Legacy

As a member of the APA Past President’s club–the broom closet society, I always looked forward to seeing Phil and catching up at our annual dinner. He was a kind and generous psychologist and will be missed by his colleagues, friends and family. – James H. Bray on Legacy

Blood Orange Soda and a Tourist Map

So many people have “when I first met Phil” stories. Like many of those other stories, mine was at Phil’s house in San Francisco. He had invited me to team up on teaching heroism. It’s likely that I walked the hilliest route possible to get to his house and nervously rang the bell, dripping with sweat, and trying to control my gasping for air. He answered the door as if we were long-time friends, ushering me in to the dining table, and instantly raving about some blood orange soda he’d brought back from Sicily. He poured me a glass and our first conversation was about how great that soda was.

After an afternoon of excited discussion on the potential of teaching heroism, we traded goodbyes and promises of future conversations. As I was walking out the door, he suddenly called out, “Wait!” He ran to get something from the hall closet, returning triumphantly with a tourist map of San Francisco. “You should make sure to see some of the sights!” And then he was gone.

Phil was, before anything else, a thoughtfully kind and expansively social person. He loved being around people and enjoyed helping them. And he really enjoyed feeding them. From home-made lasagna for Sven to vegan(ish) pasta for Zoe and from big dinners at San Francisco restaurants to intimate meals in Porto and house parties in Budapest, he really leaned into that Sicilian heritage of combining people, food, and conversation.

Phil’s commitment to giving away psychology came from his kindness, but was driven by a desire for a better world. He loved nothing more than watching people learn from him and then teach others. His travel schedule when I met him would put modern travel TikTokers to shame. Whenever I was heading to a new city, Phil would not only have been there, but he’d give me three recommendations for restaurants. He thrived on massive stages and in small huddles around hotel breakfast tables. The queues for his signature (and signature hug) lasted longer than his keynotes (that always went over time). It’s been an hour since his death has been made public and the comments are flooded with stories of the influence he’s had. He made people feel special and they followed that by spreading his message.

I’ll never forget when he started introducing me as his friend instead of his colleague.

I have lots of stories that exemplify Phil’s generosity and passion for people, but blood orange soda and a tourist map of San Francisco are all I need.

Photo: 2015. My kid has the privilege of knowing a LOT of great role models. Hard to outshine this one.

– Matt Langdon, director of the Heroic Imagination Project

As I reflect on the time I had the honor of serving as Philip Zimbardo´s liaison during his visit to Indonesia, I am filled with gratitude for the moments we shared. Philip was not just a renowned psychologist; he was a humble and kind-hearted individual who had a remarkable ability to connect with people. His insights into human behavior and his passion for understanding the complexities of the mind have left a lasting impact on many, including myself. We often found ourselves sharing laughter, as our similar sense of humor made our conversations all the more enjoyable.

I do remember that when we were about flying to Denpasar we got the msg of the winning of the orange guy as US president. his first reaction to his wife, Christina and myself was he would like to use an australian accent as he was not so happy being an american at that time. Though we say goodbye to a brilliant mind, the lessons and memories we hold will continue to inspire us. Thank you, Philip, for your wisdom, your warmth, and the joy you brought into our lives. – Josephine on Legacy

He was one of the greatest figures in 20th-century Psychology. I had the honor of meeting Professor Zimbardo during my Psychology studies at the University of Silesia, and I also had the opportunity to meet him several times through various initiatives. He promoted his Heroic Imagination Project, which aimed to inspire people to become everyday heroes by teaching them to make courageous and ethical decisions in challenging moments. This was deeply important to him, as he believed that each of us can change the world for the better through our actions. He was a great Psychologist, academic, researcher, educator and an amazing person!

Rest in peace, Professor! 🕯️🖤 – Adam Grabowski on LinkedIn

photo of psychologist Phil G. Zimbardo — _{Photo courtesy Ferne Millen Photography}

Salvatore Cianciabella

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