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
Esther M. Lederberg's views: Oparin and F. Crick.
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