He Spoke His Mind

Alexander Solzhenitsyn died Sunday in his Motherland of Russia. He achieved acclaim for his vivid depictions of a harsh life in the Soviet prisons and exile in the hinterlands. He wrote from experience, having been banished for speaking his mind against a the totalitarian system that had taken control of his beloved nation.

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich was already in my Shelfari collection, included in what I call my personal "Library of a Free Man". I have now added Gulag Archipelago to my "Plan to Read" list.

Solzhenitsyn was no friend of capitalism, but he deplored authoritarianism and the communism from which it sprung even more. In a society ruled by fear he spoke his mind - the censors, secret police, and political puppet masters be damned. For that we praise him today.

Rest in Peace, Alexander Isayevich.

(c) Economist

Russians mourn dissident hero Solzhenitsyn

An Icon of His Age

A profile in courage