Sakharov achieved a pinnacle of reverence. respect. and recognition in the fall of 1975 when awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. As the Nobel citation so fittingly concluded: "Sakharovs love of truth and strong belief in the inviolability of the human being. his fight against violence and brutality. his courageous defense of the freedom of the spirit. his unselfishness and strong humanitarian convictions have turned him into the spokesman for the conscience of mankind. which the world so sorely needs today." Characteristically Andrei responded in his prize lecture by calling attention to his countrymen who were prisoners of conscience with whom he wished to share the honor of the Nobel award. and by rededicating himself. Incidentally. this address was delivered by his wife who was then visiting Italy on a short visa for eye surgery since Andrel was refused permission by Soviet authorities to go to Oslo for the ceremonies. Here are several quotes from his response: "It is unbearable to consider that at the very moment we are gathered together in this hall on this festive occasion hundreds and thousands of Prisoners of conscience are suffering from undernourishment as the result of yearlong hunger. of an almost total lack of proteins and vitamins in their diet. of a shortage of medicines (there is a ban on the sending of vitamins and medicines to inmates). and of overexertion. They shiver from cold. damp. and exhaustion in illlit dungeons. where they are forced to wage a ceaseless struggle for their human dignity and to maintain their convictions against the indoztrination machine. in fact against the destruction of their souls.