Response to Carlos Hojaij email to Carlos Morra by Olaf Fjetland

Dear Carlos,

I worked with Tom since 1976 and I think I grew to know him quite well.  It was always my impression that he never wanted to be the "star of the show," but was more comfortable behind the scenes. That is not to say that he was not the star on so many occasions, but I do not think that he was comfortable in that role. Tom was humble.

He created INHN not for his own sake, but as a vehicle for recognizing all contributions to the field of neuropsychopharmacology, even some of which he disagreed with. Of course, through INHN he was able to put out some publications that he had spent years working on, but these took a back seat to the work of others. INHN was not all about him.

When Tom was planning the sections of the website he thought long and hard about what was to be included. What has been proposed (and obviously adopted) was, in his mind, captured under the heading Biographies. What more could be said? He did not want to single out individual personalities, much less himself.

It is honorable that you want to celebrate Tom; I am sure you are not alone. You might like to know, however, that currently INHN is not flooded with essays doing so. As a matter of fact, it is my understanding that there are very few, if any, now in the hands of the central office.  Soon there is to be a "call" to the membership for papers in this vein. Hopefully, it will be answered.

If you explore the INHN website you will find Tom's CV, many photos of him (alone and with others), eulogies, list of publications, etc.  It is just that Tom is not singled out, as was his wish.

You should note that I have no role in the operation of INHN. I am only offering my opinion here.  I am sure that you will be able to work things out with Carlos Morra and INHN will only improve because of your efforts.

With best and kindest regards,

Olaf

December 22, 2022