“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.” —Andrei Sakharov (1921-1989)

Andrei D. Sakharov was the Russian designer of the RDS-37.  He was the principal nuclear physicist behind the developing of the Soviet Union’s thermonuclear weapons systems.  He spent the rest of his life being an activist for disarmament, peace and human rights.   As an advocate for reforming civil liberty in the Soviet Union he was intensely and extensively prosecuted.  As an award for his work he earned the Nobel Peace Price in 1975.  This is how one earns a peace prize contrasted with being handed one like Arafat and Obama.

The European Parliament, for all of its faults, recognize his effort in annually awarding the Sakharov Prize.  This is given to the people and organizations dedicated to human rights and freedom.  We may not all ever do such things as worthy of such a prize.  But, we can all do at least one thing.  We can side on God’s side in the name of these things and work toward these daily.

It is not for me or anyone to say what first steps each of us might take in this journey.  It is only my hope to spark the desire to make the journey.  In so taking this journey on, it is my hope that each of us, even if only to those around us, become spokespersons for humanity’s conscience.  Let each of us not be afraid to speak up when we see wrong and do our part to make it right.  Let each of us live lives that strive toward the good of humanity in accordance with God’s will.  Let each of us strive for all that is good, noble and right.

In light of these intentions, here is a virtual memorial to Sakharov’s life and contributions to humanity.  May there be a spark in this that touches the soul of each reader.

https://history.aip.org/history/exhibits/sakharov/