During the 900-day siege of Leningrad in World War II, the Vavilov Institute, home to a vast collection of seeds and plant material, became a poignant symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Facing starvation, the scientists working there protected the invaluable collection, even choosing to die of hunger rather than consume the edible seeds and tubers under their care. This act of extraordinary dedication preserved crucial biodiversity for future generations, highlighting the enduring power of scientific commitment amidst unimaginable hardship. The article explores this story, emphasizing the difficult ethical decisions faced by the scientists and the lasting legacy of Nikolai Vavilov, the Institute's founder who perished in a Stalinist prison.
Jessie Childs's article, "Resident Bean Expert," published in the London Review of Books, delves into the extraordinary story of the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry in Leningrad during the agonizing 872 days of the Nazi siege. The institute, a globally significant repository of agricultural biodiversity, housed millions of seed samples, a veritable ark of future sustenance, meticulously collected by the renowned botanist Nikolai Vavilov and his team from across the globe. Childs paints a vivid and harrowing picture of the scientists' unwavering dedication to safeguarding this irreplaceable collection even as starvation gripped the city.
Facing unimaginable hardship and constantly bombarded by artillery fire, the researchers at the institute prioritized the preservation of the seeds over their own survival. They meticulously cataloged and protected the collection, fighting off rats, combating dampness, and enduring freezing temperatures, all while themselves succumbing to the ravages of hunger. Childs poignantly recounts the tragic tales of scientists who perished surrounded by edible seeds, choosing to protect the future of agriculture rather than succumb to the immediate pangs of hunger. One particularly heart-wrenching anecdote details the sacrifice of rice specialist Dmitri Ivanov, who, surrounded by rice samples, starved to death while preserving the genetic diversity represented by his collection.
The article meticulously contextualizes the siege within the broader historical framework of Stalinist Russia, including the politically motivated persecution of Vavilov himself, who was arrested in 1940 on fabricated charges and ultimately perished in a gulag in 1943, even as his institute valiantly struggled for survival. Childs highlights the irony of Vavilov’s tragic fate, juxtaposing it with the unwavering dedication of his colleagues who, despite the regime's betrayal of their mentor, continued to uphold his vision of safeguarding global biodiversity for the benefit of humanity.
Beyond the immediate narrative of survival, Childs explores the deeper philosophical and ethical questions raised by the scientists’ sacrifices. Their actions, she argues, represent a profound testament to the enduring power of human dedication in the face of extreme adversity. The preservation of the seeds, symbolic of hope for a future beyond the horrors of war and famine, transcended mere scientific endeavor and became an act of almost spiritual significance. The article powerfully demonstrates the inherent tension between individual survival and collective responsibility, highlighting the profound commitment of these scientists to a greater cause than themselves, a cause rooted in the enduring power of scientific knowledge and its potential to nourish and sustain future generations. In their unwavering dedication, the scientists of the Vavilov Institute offer a powerful testament to the enduring resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of safeguarding the world's biodiversity.
Summary of Comments ( 15 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42891754
HN commenters largely focused on the astounding dedication of Vavilov and his team of scientists. Several highlighted the irony of researchers starving to death amidst a seed bank containing the potential to alleviate global hunger. Some debated the practicality of seed saving in a besieged city, questioning if distributing the food would have been a better short-term solution. Others drew parallels to contemporary seed banks like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. A few comments offered additional historical context about Lysenko and his detrimental impact on Soviet agriculture, or about other sieges where similar acts of sacrifice occurred. Several commenters expressed gratitude for the article, finding it both informative and moving.
The Hacker News post titled "The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad: Science and Sacrifice in a City Under Siege" (linking to an article in the London Review of Books about scientists preserving a seed bank during the Siege of Leningrad) has several comments discussing various aspects of the story and its historical context.
Several commenters express admiration for the scientists' dedication and the incredible sacrifices they made to preserve the seeds, especially given the horrific conditions of the siege. One commenter highlights the poignant contrast between the scientists starving to death while surrounded by edible seeds, demonstrating their commitment to the future of agriculture. Another commenter points out the immense value of these seed banks, not just historically, but also for current and future research, particularly in the face of climate change and potential future disasters.
The discussion also delves into the historical context of the siege, with some commenters mentioning other instances of similar sacrifices made by scientists and researchers in times of war and conflict. One commenter recalls a story about scientists in Kyiv transporting liquid nitrogen across battle lines to preserve biological samples, further illustrating the lengths people will go to for scientific preservation. The conversation touches upon Lysenkoism, a pseudoscientific theory promoted by Trofim Lysenko in the Soviet Union, which suppressed legitimate genetics research and had devastating consequences for Soviet agriculture. Commenters discuss the potential impact of Lysenkoism on the seed bank and the scientists involved, speculating on the difficulties they might have faced navigating the political landscape of the time.
Some commenters provide additional information and resources, such as links to other articles and books about the siege, seed banks, and the history of Soviet science. One commenter shares a personal anecdote about their grandmother’s experiences during the siege, adding a personal touch to the historical discussion.
There's a short thread discussing the technical aspects of seed preservation, including the challenges of maintaining seed viability over long periods. This leads to a discussion about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a modern seed bank designed to protect crop diversity for the future.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News demonstrate a deep appreciation for the scientists’ sacrifice and the importance of preserving biodiversity. They also provide valuable context and further avenues for learning about the Siege of Leningrad, the history of Soviet science, and the critical role of seed banks in safeguarding the future of agriculture.