How do I remember Petr—after reading him for two decades and knowing him for the past decade? As a giant—a man of unshakable principle and wide intellectual interests—from science to art—from relativity to music. And not just superficial knowledge, but always a search for deeper understanding—and the ability to share his knowledge. He had the enemies of human progress figured out years ago; rereading his 1973 book Eco-Hysterics and the Technophobes I marvel at his foresight. For delightful scholarship I have appreciated his A History of Pi, in its fourth edition! (There are three Japanese printings, I am informed.) For sheer enjoyment there is his computer program Hum-it, which covers a good part of my classical repertoire. And there is his widely quoted classic The Health Hazards of NOT Going Nuclear. A product of Central Europe, his character forged by the events leading up to World War II, Petr was quintessentially American in advocating the principles of economic and personal liberty. Surely a mark of his greatness must be that he made so many important enemies. But he made even more fiercely loyal friends. Petr knew exactly where he was going: His motto, emblazoned on the masthead of Access to Energy, tells his direction: "Pro-Science, Pro-Technology, Pro-Free Enterprise," which translates into "Pro-Energy, Pro-Capitalism, and Pro-Prosperity with Liberty." It may be that, some day, the world will regard his pioneering critique of the Einstein theory as his greatest contribution. But whether dealing with relativity, nuclear energy, or environmental issues, Petr was forever uncompromising in his passionate pursuit of truth. And that's how I will always remember him.
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Vol. 21, No. 2
Newsletter: Access to Energy Newsletter Archive Volume: Issues Issue/No.: Vol. 21, No. 2 Date: October 01, 1993 04:47 PM Title: Dr. Petr Beckmann
Copyright © 2004 - Access to Energy Newsletter Archive
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