Assignment #7

Robert Oppenheimer is one of the most significant figures to contribute to form the modern world. His invention of an atomic bomb empowered America to be the most influential country in the world, and it determined basic power relationships among the countries as the World War II ended. It's not too much to say that today' s protected and privileged American life is created by his invention. However, the country paid back to loyalty of the patriotic scientist by devastating him. Oppenheimer's great fall is seen as tragedy. 

The story of the birth of an atomic bomb allowed me to connect both science and humanities because Oppenheimer’s struggle and anguish behind the success of the atomic bomb were so humane. Although greatly gifted and talented, Oppenheimer didn't live in a happy life. His lacking social ability made his childhood lonely. After he grew up, he was involved in Communists Party, and he had affair with women who are the members of Communist. I feel that his desire for deep connection with people and community might also be his drive to engage in intensive political movement. Moreover, his fall as a scientist after the invention of an atomic bomb is a great tragedy. Oppenheimer dedicated all his knowledge to invent an atomic bomb for the United States. However, the government paid off his devotion by breaking him. They decided to withdraw him from Atomic Energy Commission and denied his security clearance. He was torn apart by the betrayals and rejection of his patriotic spirit.

Oppenheimer’s invention opened the atomic era. I think the creation of an atomic bomb was the most threatening science. It cut the path to the development of massive destructive weapons. Today, H-bombs achieve 25,000 times the yield of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The idea of creation of destructive weapons is very depressing and threatening. There is nothing creative and productive about this creation other than economical and political benefits as it is only destroying our limited habitat, the earth. Science would become much more appreciative if we could channel this knowledge and finance for development space technology that might expand our habitat.