Personal Opinions
Apart from his scientific work, Schwartz was a well-known outspoken intellectual. As a young socialist influenced by Leon Trotsky, Schwartz opposed the totalitarianism of the Soviet Union, particularly under Joseph Stalin. Schwartz ultimately rejected Trotskyism for democratic socialism.
Schwartz campaigned against the Algerian War.
In danger of being classified as a Jew under the Nazi racial laws, he had to spend parts of World War II in hiding under aliases, predominantly "Laurent Sélimartin". He was related to the Debré family.
Read more about this topic: Laurent Schwartz
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“I am thankful to God for this approval of the people. But while deeply grateful for this mark of their confidence in me, if I know my heart, my gratitude is free from any taint of personal triumph. I do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me. It is no pleasure to me to triumph over any one.”
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