Andrei Sakharov
(1921-1989)

Soviet Nuclear Physicist, Human Rights Activist

1975 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
1980 Humanist of the Year
Sakharov Prize For Freedom of Thought

birthdate: May 21
birthplace:
Moscow, Russia

QUOTES

We must make demands of reason and create a life worthy of ourselves and of the goals we only dimly perceive.

Both now and for always, I intend to hold fast to my belief in the hidden strength of the human spirit.

I regard the death penalty as a savage and immoral institution that undermines the moral and legal foundations of a 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.

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 dictatorships.

Profound insights arise only in debate, with a possibility of counterargument, only when there is a possibility of expressing not only correct ideas but also dubious ideas.

 

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