Andrei Sakharov
Andrei Sakharov
Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharovwas a Russian nuclear physicist, Soviet dissident, an activist for disarmament, peace and human rights...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionScientist
Date of Birth21 May 1921
CountryRussian Federation
apartment communal enthusiasm family few grew house large occupied relations respect rooms strong vital work
I grew up in a large communal apartment where most of the rooms were occupied by my family and relations and only a few by outsiders. The house was pervaded by a strong traditional family spirit-a vital enthusiasm for work and respect for professional competence.
hypocrite hands people
Intellectual freedom is essential -- freedom to obtain and distribute information, freedom for open-minded and unfearing debate and freedom from pressure by officialdom and prejudices. Such freedom of thought is the only guarantee against an infection of people by mass myths, which, in the hands of treacherous hypocrites and demagogues, can be transformed into bloody dictatorship.
savages foundation essentials
I regard the death penalty as a savage and immoral institution that undermines the moral and legal foundations of society. I reject the notion that the death penalty has any essential deterrent effect on potential offenders. I am convinced that the contrary is true - that savagery begets only savagery.