Nyiri P., Breidenbach J. Living in Truth: V.N. Gribov and the Post-War. Generation of Soviet Physics

Chapter from the book "Under the Spell of Landau: When Theoretical Physics was Shaping Destinies". Shifman M. (Ed.). 2013. – Ch. 10: Time and Destinies. – 11 p.Vladimir Gribov (1930-1997) was one of the leading figures in post-World War II Soviet theoretical physics. He and his colleagues worked at the cutting edge of quantum field theory, plasma physics, nuclear and elementary particle research at a time when mediocrity or decay (by international standards) ruled in many other fields of science, art, and industry. Yet, physics was in a special position: it offered both a tolerable living and an officially sanctioned exemption from ideological make-believe. Theoretical physicists like Gribov neither lived in ivory towers nor were willing accomplices in the state's nuclear project. Instead they carved out a niche for themselves in which lifestyle and values were substantially influenced by their belief in physical truth.