Science for University Students. Part II. Translations. Сологуб Л.И. - 17 стр.

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To the credit of Mikhail Gorbachev, this disgraceful situation was reversed.
Sakharov was allowed to return to his home, to speak freely, and even to travel abroad.
Again that would have been a time to relax. Instead, Sakharov responded in
characteristic fashion, praising acts of democracy, returning from trips abroad even
though he could never be sure of his future in his homeland, and continuing to criticize
where he saw only partial movement toward the democracy for which he yearned. His
enormous stature stemmed not only from his past as a physicist, but also from the
excellence of his judgment in dissent He never simply railed against the system, but
always had constructive alternatives to propose.
In the modern world, integrity and courage, are usually expressed in intellectual
and moral terms. We moderns are rarely subjected to the physical hardships and dangers
that challenged our ancestors? Even challenges to moral courage can be daunting, as the
McCarthy era in this country proved only too well. At that time Edward R. Murrow, a
distinguished journalist, and Herbert H. Lehman, a governor of New York, stood out as
individuals willing to risk careers by speaking out when too many others were silent,
Sakharov risked not only a career but physical harm. Nevertheless, his conscience, not
his welfare, guided his actions. His acts of dissent started when the most confirmed
optimist considered them hopeless, symbolic gestures devoid of any chance of success.
The events of recent days in Eastern Europe and Russia changed the picture. How much
of this change was generated by Sakharov's courageous idealism, how much by the
stark reality of economic disaster, and how much by the new ideas of Gorbachev only
history can decide. At this time all three appear to have played major roles. Andrei
Sakharov set a standard for the modern hero. Few will achieve his level, but many will
fight injustice more fiercely because of his example.
DANIEL E. KOSHLAND, JR.
I. Read this editorial-text and grasp the basic information given in it.
II. Choose the right answer:
1) The problem which is raised by the author is the problem of:
a. interrelations between the people and scientists
b. interrelations between the state power and scientists
c. interrelations among scientists
2) The main thought of the text is that:
a. A. Sakharov was a distinguished scientist and a great human being
b. He became the leader in the cause of scientific freedom
c. A. Sakhorov set a standard for the modern hero.
3) The text suggest that heroes are essential to the improvement of society
because:
a. they represent humankind at its best
b. their behavior teachers and inspires
c. they are examples to emulate them
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