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
balance conditions convinced fascinated grandeur great highest moscow power research secret security special time vital worked
I worked under conditions of the highest security and under great pressure, first in Moscow and subsequently in a special secret research centre. At the time we were all convinced that this work was of vital significance for the balance of power in the world and we were fascinated by the grandeur of the task.
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.
article became contained either entire extreme future great known later mention naive point press public quickly references regarded soviet stand throughout time towards turning work
My public stand represented a turning point for me and my entire future. The article very quickly became known throughout the world. For a long time the Soviet press contained no mention of the Progress, and later references were either disapproving in the extreme or else ironic. A great many critics, even if sympathetically disposed towards me, regarded my reflections in this work as exceedingly naive and speculative.
create demands goals life ourselves perceive reason worthy
We must make demands of reason and create a life worthy of ourselves and of the goals we only dimly perceive
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.
awful terrible powerlessness
I could not stop something I knew was wrong and terrible. I had an awful sense of powerlessness.
two chairs
You can't sit on two chairs at once.
science views numbers
We regard as 'scientific' a method based on deep analysis of facts, theories, and views, presupposing unprejudiced, unfearing open discussion and conclusions. The complexity and diversity of all the phenomena of modern life, the great possibilities and dangers linked with the scientific-technical revolution and with a number of social tendencies demand precisely such an approach, as has been acknowledged in a number of official statements.