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

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.

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

A country which does not respect the rights of its own citizens will not respect the rights of its neighbours

Do not trust governments more than governments trust their own people.

Intellectual freedom is the only guarantee of a scientific - democratic approach to politics, economic development, and culture.

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.

You can't sit on two chairs at once.

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.

I could not stop something I knew was wrong and terrible. I had an awful sense of powerlessness.

Profound thoughts 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.

I surround myself with things that make me happy. Why? Because ... it makes me happy.

Take it easy when you are busy! It shall never be easy but, take it easy!

Hard work pays off - hard work beats talent any day, but if you're talented and work hard, it's hard to be beat.

Humanity adores only those who cause it to perish.

The Creator, if He exists, has a special preference for beetles.

For every slot machine you add, you lose one job per year from the consumer economy

What we do to animals directly impacts everything, because we are all connected. It disrupts the food chain, it funds terrorism (ivory), it changes our climate, our oceans, it starts wars.

Humility is practical application of knowledge.

What greater ornament to a son than a father's glory, or to a father than a son's honorable conduct?

That's the art of leadership. To make sure that what shouldn't happen, doesn't happen.