Greetings and welcome from the Pauling Family
This message was written in September 1998

What a pleasure it is to be able to tell you about a mover and shaker who helped determine society's course during the 20th century, America's greatest scientist, Linus Pauling.

Linus Pauling developed modern chemistry and was the father of the new science, molecular biology. He received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1954. He was named by the British publication NEW SCIENTIST as one of the 20 greatest scientists in history.

Following World War II, alarmed at public and governmental disregard of the dangers to civilization of nuclear radiation and fallout, he embarked on a remarkable campaign which resulted in the 1963 limited nuclear test ban treaty and the Nobel Peace Prize. His advocacy of micronutrient supplementation of diet has resulted in a marked increase in research and public awareness.

Linus Pauling's life is a shining example of an American success story. He grew up in the frontier West, lost his father when he was 9, worked to help support himself and his widowed mother and younger sisters, earned his way through school and joined the ranks of the world's public figures. His story stands as a stimulant, an encouragement and a challenge to all people, young and old.

The Pauling Family is eternally grateful to its co-sponsors of the Linus Pauling Exhibition, Oregon State University and Soka Gakkai International. We welcome you and urge you to learn more about a remarkable human being, Linus Pauling.

Linus Pauling, Jr.
Members of the Pauling Family

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Welcome from Soka Gakkai International
This message was written in September 1998

Greetings

It is truly a great honor for us to be able to join the Pauling Family and Oregon State University in sponsoring the "Linus Pauling Exhibition."

I was able to meet and become friends with Dr. Linus Pauling in the final years of his life. And I gained untold inspiration from each exchange I had with this great man.

The idea for this exhibition came out of a conversation I had with Dr. Pauling in March, 1993 in San Francisco. I had felt strongly the need for the public to become more familiar with Dr. Pauling's life and work. When I proposed the idea of organizing an exhibition, he kindly agreed.

That was five years ago and, most regrettably, Dr. Pauling is no longer among us. Thanks, however, to the kind support of the Pauling Family and others, this exhibition has become a reality. I am personally gratified that I have been able to fulfill my promise to Dr. Pauling, and I feel somehow that he shares our joy.

Linus Pauling was, it goes without saying, one of the true giants of the twentieth century. He made remarkable contributions to the cause of human progress through scientific research, which earned him the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1954. Further, his outstanding contributions to peace led to his receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962.

This century has been an era of unparalleled warfare and bloodshed. As the century which gave birth to the uncontrollable monstrosity of nuclear weapons draws to a close, the lessons which Dr. Pauling sought to convey to humankind through a lifetime of action are more relevant than ever.

I believe that it is the responsibility of all those who are alive today to make the coming century an era of peace and cooperation-an age in which there is respect for the sanctity of life. This, however, will never come about simply through idle hopes or dreams. Pacifism must not be confused with "passive-ism"--standing by as a passive observer. The work for peace is hard work, and requires the efforts of many individuals sharing a vision of life, its dignity and value. Dr. Pauling dedicated his entire being to the work of creating such a world. From his example we can draw great inspiration and courage.

The Linus Pauling Exhibition has been designed to be of particular interest to young people and students, for it is they who hold the key to creating a peaceful world in the next century.

Dr. Pauling's life was a remarkable example of the power of a single individual to transform the destiny of humankind. It is our hope that this exhibition will inspire a similar process of transformation, or human revolution, in other individuals.

Daisaku Ikeda
President, Soka Gakkai International

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