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
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
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.
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.
country rights opening-up
Our country, like every modern state, needs profound democratic reforms. It needs political and ideological pluralism, a mixed economy and protection of human rights and the opening up of society.
important branches problem
My present work concerns the problems connected with the theory of elementary particles, the theory of gravitation and cosmology and I shall be glad if I can manage to make some contribution to these important branches of science.
nuclear research weapons
In 1947 I defended my thesis on nuclear physics, and in 1948 I was included in a group of research scientists whose task was to develop nuclear weapons.
two chairs
You can't sit on two chairs at once.
awful terrible powerlessness
I could not stop something I knew was wrong and terrible. I had an awful sense of powerlessness.
views goal fearless
International affairs must be completely permeated with scientific methodology and a democratic spirit, with a fearless weighing of all facts, views, and theories, with maximum publicity of ultimate and intermediate goals, and with a consistency of principles.
wisdom ideas profound
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.
lying pressure bears
For me, the moral difficulties lie in the continual pressure brought to bear on my friends and immediate family, pressure which is not directed against me personally but which at the same time is all around me.
views issues problem
In and after 1964 when I began to concern myself with the biological issues, and particularly from 1967 onwards, the extent of the problems over which I felt uneasy increased to such a point that in 1968 I felt a compelling urge to make my views public.
government people
Do not trust governments more than governments trust their own people.