Why did Ivan Pavlov refuse special food privileges during the Soviet famine?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

During the famine following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Vladimir Lenin offered the renowned physiologist Ivan Pavlov special food rations equivalent to those of an honored communist.

Pavlov refused these special privileges, stating, "I will not accept these privileges unless you give them to every one of my collaborators!"1

This act reflected Pavlov’s character as a bold, vehement nonconformist who fearlessly stood by his principles, even when facing the Soviet government.1