Authoritarianism is Damaging to the Pursuit of Science and Knowledge- Here are a few Scientists who Stood Their Scientific Ground Against Authoritarianism

The 20th century was plagued with conflict, disease, and terror, but at the same time, the 20th century flourished with growth. Whether it was the vast increase in population, the development of vaccines and antibiotics, the overthrowal of fascism and communism, or the acceleration to space, the 20th century experienced a level of growth unheard of in previous centuries. Almost all of this growth can be attributed to the sciences, as new discoveries and advancements in the scientific and technological worlds allowed for the growth the 20th century was known by to have flourished. As we continue on in the 21st century, another century in which growth shall dominate our experiences, we mustn’t forget the scientists who fought the conflict, disease, terror, and most of all, authoritarianism in their pursuit of knowledge and discovery. We mustn’t forget the scientists who stood by their science even when Joseph Stalin threatened their execution, even continuing on in the pursuit of scientific advancement until Stalin purposefully and slowly starved them to death, who pushed hard against the very nuclear weapons he designed while two tyrannical governments fought against one another for the most warheads. In this episode, we will discuss two scientists, Nikolai Vavilov, J Robert Oppenheimer two of the many scientists who fought against war and authoritarianism while pursuing knowledge from which all humans could benefit. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or corrections, please email me using the address provided: [email protected]