"Heroes are essential to the improvement of society" – and the 20thCentury had such a hero in Andrei Sakharov, famed Soviet physicist and much, much more – fighter for human rights and democracy in the midst of that lethally minded and cold-souled tyrant, the former Soviet Union. December 14th was the 15th anniversary of his death. I suppose the need to wish that the 21st Century give rise to more heroes like Sakharaov speaks grimly about the underlying world situation, but for the sake of us all, I heartily hope others of equally strong intellect, courage, and moral conviction will be there when needed. Here and here are more about Sakharov.