Linus Pauling was one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century. He is the only individual to date to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes.

With a life and career that spanned almost the entire twentieth century, Pauling impacted science, politics, activism, and nutrition. The British journal, New Scientist included him in their list of the 20 greatest scientists of all time, along with Galileo, Charles Darwin Galileo and Isaac Newton.

The only other individual selected from the twentieth century was Albert Einstein.

Considered to be the most influential chemist since the 18th century founder of chemistry, Lavoisier, Linus Pauling applied quantum physics to chemistry and his discoveries affected the work of all chemists to follow. Pauling is considered the father of molecular biology, which provided the base for biotechnology.

In 1954 Pauling received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work on the Nature of the Chemical Bond.

Following the use of the atomic bomb, Pauling devoted much of his time educating the public about the devastating effects of fallout and nuclear weapons. With his wife, Ava Helen, he submitted a petition to the United Nations with the signatures of more than 11,000 scientists.

His tireless efforts resulted in the partial nuclear test ban treaty which was signed on October 10, 1963; on that same day the Nobel Committee announced Pauling had been selected for the 1962 Peace Prize. Perhaps best known for his black beret and his crusade for Vitamin C, Pauling demonstrated tremendous courage standing up for his beliefs, at the risk of his reputation and livelihood.

Always curious, always investigating, always independent, his colorful life covered almost the entire twentieth century. Terrifically prolific and active until the end of his life, Pauling was a multifaceted genius who provides a model for what one person can accomplish in a lifetime.

Linus Pauling was a maverick in both thought and action. Perhaps his life can best be summed up by his address to a group of students in Stockholm: "Young people should always listen to their elders, but not necessarily believe what they say."

Pauling was willing to tackle controversy through his unorthodox scientific theories, take strong ethical stands or to inspire the public to activism.

Pauling provides a model for both young and old to pursue learning, knowledge and activism for each day of life.

Born on the frontier, he spent his life tackling the frontier of science and of humanitarianism. His commitment to peace and his vast contributions to varied fields of science allow his spirit to continue his legacy to the next millennium.