The Origin of a Haunting Quote
The infamous quote attributed to J. Robert Oppenheimer, “Now I am become Death,” has its roots in Hindu scripture, spoken by the god Vishnu. Witness the moment Oppenheimer uttered these foreboding words on NBC.
The Man Behind the Quote
Oppenheimer, a key figure in the development of the first nuclear weapon in 1945, described the atom bomb as “Death, the destroyer of worlds.” Expert Alan Robock highlights the magnitude of this creation as “the greatest danger the world has faced.”
An Uncertain Responsibility
As depicted in Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” the moral dilemma of responsibility for the use of nuclear weapons is brought to light. Oppenheimer’s contemplation of the Bhagavad Gita suggests a search for meaning in the face of such destructive power.
Reflections on the Nuclear Age
Oppenheimer’s introspective moments during the NBC interview shed light on the complexity of his role in the Manhattan Project and the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The haunting echoes of Vishnu’s words continue to resonate in the annals of history.