Animated gif courtesy of http://engels.genetics.wisc.edu/Holliday/holliday3D.html
In an October 15, 1985 interview with T. D. Singh and Pahwan Saharan,
Esther was asked her opinion on Francis Crick's view that it would soon
be a very simple matter to create life artificially, now that they had
an understanding of DNA structure. Esther's interviewers asked her if
she thought such views should be censored. Esther's response was
effectively the same as that above: "Let Crick or others say what they
wish; as scientists they must then be able to provide experimental evidence
for what they say. Censorship is not necessary, and even counter-productive";
the reason being that censorship prevents thoughts from being expressed.
One should bear in mind that while Esther disagreed with Crick's overconfident
views (she pointed out that they couldn't even create a living virus), she
always viewed Crick with respect, as a close colleague and friend. Disagreements
in principles need not imply a loss in respect or friendship.
Click to see the
Russian article
about this interview.
Click to see the
English translation
of the Russian article.