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 Exhibition Description
Linus Pauling is the only person to date to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes. (Chemistry in 1954, Peace in 1962) The first was awarded for his landmark research on the nature of the chemical bond and its application to understanding the structure of complex substances such as protein molecules and antibodies. The second Nobel Prize acknowledged his courageous protest against atmospheric nuclear testing (as detrimental to the health of humans and environment) and his championship of international peace. The exhibition traces seven decades of Linus Pauling's life and influence on the 20th century: as scientific discoverer, dedicated humanitarian, crusader against the testing of nuclear weapons, defender of civil liberties, and prominent researcher on orthomolecular medicine, nutrition and health. Designed around the central themes of Pauling's remarkable life, the 2,556 square foot exhibition features photos, diaries, molecular models, and historic artifacts loaned by Oregon State University's Pauling Special Collection and the Pauling Family. The Pauling Collection contains over 300,000 items and includes all of Pauling's personal and scientific papers, notebooks, and correspondence from 1916 to his death at age 93 in August, 1994.
The threat of terrorists using radioactive weapons, North Korea's decision to resume nuclear weapons research and the US government's renewed interest in developing 'tactical' nuclear weapons all underscore that what was of vital concern to Pauling remains a relevant issue to all of humanity today. The exhibition thus provides a rare opportunity to teach today's youth about the role of scientists in creating conditions for a secure and peaceful world. As the 21st century begins, we celebrate Linus Pauling's life as an inspiration to future generations so that they may know the difference that one person with courage and conviction can make.
The seed for a Linus Pauling touring exhibition was planted in 1987 when Dr. Pauling and Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President Daisaku Ikeda met for the first time. SGI was established in 1975 and has more than 12 million members in 128 countries who promote peace, cultural and educational activities based on the long-standing traditions of Buddhist humanism. The SGI is a non-governmental organization that supports the United Nations.
Their dialogues, spanning the subjects of science, humanity, war and peace were eventually published in 1992 as a book entitled A Lifelong Quest For Peace. In March of 1993, the two met in San Francisco in what was to be their last encounter. During their dialogue Dr. Pauling agreed to Mr. Ikeda's proposal to organize an exhibition about his life. It was not, however, until 1995, a year after Dr. Pauling's death, that the plans for an exhibition would resume with subsequent discussions between Mr. Ikeda and Dr. Pauling's son Linus Pauling Jr. Oregon State University's (OSU) involvement was proposed for its preeminent role in preserving the legacy of Linus Pauling through its Pauling Papers, Special Collection and The Linus Pauling Institute (LPI). LPI was established in August 1996 at OSU, as a working memorial to Linus Pauling, under an agreement reached between its antecedent organization, the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, and OSU. OSU's work in preserving for future generations Linus Pauling's life work in chemistry, biochemistry, orthomolecular research, and studies in nutrition and human health provided the exhibition project an invaluable resource upon which to draw the legacy of this most extraordinary man.
In the Spring of 1997 the exhibition project was officially initiated with the combined commitments of three sponsors: the Linus Pauling Family, Oregon State University and Soka Gakkai International. The sponsors agreed on the importance of creating an advisory body to help steer the content and direction of the exhibition. Invitations were extended to Nobel Laureates, science professors, biographers and other professional associates of Dr. Pauling's as well as representatives from the three sponsors to serve on the Linus Pauling Exhibition Advisory Committee.
After several productive planning sessions, the task of creating the exhibition script and design was turned over to two Los Angeles based exhibition designers, Gary Murie and Mary Worthington. A close collaboration between the advisory committee and the designers has resulted in the final production of Linus Pauling And The Twentieth Century which opened on September 20, 1998 in San Francisco. The exhibit
has toured the following US locations from 1999 to 2001: Starting in 2003, the exhibit will begin a new touring schedule in Europe. Current locations for 2003 include the cities of Paris and Geneva, with future dates and locations to be announced.
Pauling's life was extraordinarily long, varied, tumultuous, and important for the history of twentieth-century science. During his career, Pauling, among many other achievements:
Not to mention those two Nobel Prizes, for chemistry and for peace (Pauling remains the only person to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes). "But his scientific work is only half the story. Pauling, influenced greatly by his wife, Ava Helen, used his scientific renown as a springboard to jump into political activism.
Pauling's increasingly outspoken views on nuclear policy led to political persecution that included a 24-year investigation by the FBI, an inquiry into revoking his government security clearance, the revocation of his passport, the loss of government grants, vilification in the press, and intimidation and threats of a contempt citation by the U.S. Senate. He fought back with articles, speeches, and legal action, including his well-publicized suits against the Hearst organization, William F. Buckley's 'National Review',and the Department of Defense." Excerpt
from Force of Nature: The Life of Linus
Pauling
© 1998-2004 Soka Gakkai International | Exhibit Questions | Webmaster |
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Linus
Pauling and the Twentieth Century is designed to inspire audiences
of all ages with the life and work of one of the greatest scientists
and humanitarians. 
The
exhibition demonstrates how Dr. Pauling's scientific pursuits and efforts
to "minimize human suffering" were not mutually exclusive.
Indeed, Pauling's profound understanding of the physical universe strengthened
his personal resolve to secure peace through international nuclear disarmament.
Dr.
Pauling and Daisaku Ikeda developed a deep friendship during the final
years of Dr. Pauling's life. The two men shared life-long commitments
to peace - an international Buddhist leader, author and advocate of
peace, and the famous scientist, peace activist and Nobel Laureate.
In
the fall of 1997, the first meeting of the Linus Pauling Exhibition
Advisory Committee was held in San Francisco to discuss the creation
of the exhibition. The weekend-long conference included the video taping
of committee members to capture their personal stories and anecdotes
from their memories of Linus Pauling.
Along
with Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard, Pauling was a member of the Emergency
Committee of Atomic Scientists, a small but important group that after
World War II worked to limit the spread of atomic weapons.|
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