The Crazy Story Of Oppenheimer
By Juliet Smith
1 year ago
He developed the first atomic weapons
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When General Groves selected Robert Oppenheimer to lead the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1943, he was just 38 years old. While he seemed like an unusual choice for the position on paper, Oppenheimer was a professor at the University of California at the time, and he had already earned his PhD. He managed everything at the LANL, but it appears something bigger was going on under the surface...During the second World War, he became the head of the Manhattan Project
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It seemed that the the secret research project focused on the development of the world's first atomic bomb. The objective of the project was to utilize nuclear energy in order to develop a novel type of weapon. Oppenheimer became the manager of almost everything here, from salaries to living quarters, he was the big boss at the head of the operation.He gave his first lecture at 12 years old...
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Oppenheimer's passion for rocks and minerals came well before his recognition in the field of chemistry. As a young boy, he would collect rock samples from various locations in Manhattan and the Hudson River Palisades. He eagerly engaged in correspondence with numerous renowned geologists, discussing the rock formations he had meticulously studied in Central Park. Shortly after, he received a letter inviting him to give a lecture before the esteemed club....he even managed to complete the third and fourth grades in one year
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Oppenheimer was so gifted as a youngster that he even managed to complete the third and fourth grades in the same year. Shortly after, he went on to complete the eighth grade in six months. Driven by his passion for chemistry, he decided to pursue his education at Harvard College and, at the age of 18, one year after graduating from the Ethical Culture School, he embarked on a study motivated by his personal experience.He was an avid poet
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Oppenheimer was indeed a poet but was quite humble about it. In private, he expressed that his material was not intended for anyone's reading and wasn't even suitable for it. However, he had a deep passion for poetry and creative writing. One of his poems, "Crossing", was featured in an issue of the prestigious Harvard literary magazine, Hound & Horn. This somber meditation showcases his talent and established his presence in the world of poetry.He had a great rapport with Einstein
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Oppenheimer and Einstein were very aware of the moral and ethical consequences of their groundbreaking scientific achievements. Both expressed their disliking in the progress and utilization of nuclear weapons. Oppenheimer and Einstein, despite their shared goals and collaborations, held differing perspectives on various scientific and political matters.Although he did call him a fool...
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In the later years of his life, Albert Einstein reportedly held the belief that Oppenheimer was a "fool" for supporting the Atomic Energy Commission. During his graduate studies at the University of Göttingen, the two historic figures, Oppenheimer and Einstein, first encountered each other. During that period, Albert Einstein had established himself as a highly acclaimed physicist and emerged as a prominent figure in the field of theoretical physics.Oppenheimer came from a wealthy family
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Oppenheimer, born on April 22, 1904, in New York City, came into this world with a promising future ahead. Julius Seligmann Oppenheimer, a textile importer, immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1888 during his teenage years. With no money, education, and knowledge of English, he faced significant challenges. Initially employed by a textile company, he eventually secured the position of president after a decade of dedicated service.He spent time studying cosmic rays
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According to NASA, cosmic rays are a perplexing type of radiation characterized by electrically charged, subatomic particles. In 1931, Oppenheimer and his student, Frank Carlson, collaborated on writing numerous scientific papers concerning the physics of cosmic rays. These cosmic rays were a relatively recent discovery, having been found less than two decades prior in 1912.He thought of a Hindu text when he watched the first atomic bomb explode
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As Oppenheimer reflected on the atomic bomb exploding, he couldn't help but draw parallels to the Bhagavad Gita. This ancient Hindu scripture described a profound dialogue between a human prince and the deity Vishnu, which took place on the eve of a momentous battle. In a notable 1965 TV documentary, Oppenheimer made a memorable reference to the Bhagavad Gita as he contemplated the profound impact of the test and the emotions it evoked within him.He proposed the existence of black holes
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After being introduced to astrophysics, Oppenheimer embarked on a journey of scientific exploration. He started publishing papers that delved into the realm of theoretical cosmic objects that were yet to be discovered. One article, initially overlooked, eventually caught the attention of physicists who made an intriguing discovery: Oppenheimer had actually predicted the existence of black holes.He was able to speak six languages
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Oppenheimer possessed an impressive linguistic ability, being fluent in an impressive six languages. These included Greek, Latin, French, German, and Dutch, the latter he managed to learn in just six weeks. Additionally, he was also well-versed in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. In addition to his field of study, Oppenheimer was known for his avid reading of books from various disciplines.Laboratory work didn't come natural to him
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Oppenheimer wasn't great in the laboratory. He experienced a sense of discomfort, which hindered his progress in planning and executing experiments. Despite dedicating long hours, including late nights, he found himself struggling to keep up with the workload. At that time, he came to the conclusion that theoretical physics would hold a stronger place in his heart compared to experimental physics.He was known to be a great teacher
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Oppenheimer had a tendency to use language to explain the intricacies of the world and scientific concepts. With his impressive ability to explain, and vast knowledge, he proved to be a captivating and engaging speaker. As a professor and mentor, his influence was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless physicists, leaving behind a lasting legacy.He was also known for his love affairs...
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In 1940, he tied the knot with journalist Kitty Harrison, while also engaging in extramarital relationships with psychiatrist Jean Tatlock and Ruth Tolman, a psychologist and lecturer. He even worked with Ruth's husband Richard on the Manhattan Project! In the aftermath of one of Tolman's parties, a scandal erupted when the pair decided to sleep together.He even named the first atomic bomb after his mistress
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In 1936, Oppenheimer's path crossed with Jean Tatlock, marking the beginning of a passionate romance that endured even during his marriage to Katherine. Tragically, their love story came to a heartbreaking end in 1944 with Jean's untimely death. Jean managed to convince Oppenheimer to address his worries about the widespread poverty that plagued society during the Great Depression.Rumor has it, he tried to poison his professor with an apple
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At Cambridge, Oppenheimer had the privilege of being mentored by Patrick Blackett, a talented experimental physicist. Oppenheimer often felt envious of Patrick's remarkable skills. Oppenheimer's constant failures in the lab and his inability to win Blackett's approval made him anxious. A close friend of Oppenheimer told that he confessed to placing a toxic substance on an apple and leaving it on Blackett's desk to entice him.After becoming a popular professor, he was nicknamed "Oppie"
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During his initial year as a professor, he encountered significant challenges. He struggled to establish a connection with his students and often was difficult to comprehend due to his low volume. Despite facing initial setbacks, he refused to be disheartened. Instead, he dedicated himself to personal growth and development. Finally, his perseverance paid off as his students affectionately referred to him as "Oppie."He was nominated for a Nobel Prize more than once
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Despite receiving three nominations for the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946, 1951 and 1967, Oppenheimer never actually emerged as a winner. In 1963, he was honored with the esteemed Enrico Fermi Award. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon him for his exceptional and noteworthy contribution to the development, use, or control of atomic energy.He helped some of his family escape Nazi Germany
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Oppenheimer came from a German-Jewish family, although they weren't observant. In 1937, Oppenheimer generously sponsored his Aunt Hedwig, her son Alfred, and Alfred's family with his own funds. This act of kindness occurred when they were forced to leave their home and seek refuge in the United States due to the rise of Hitler's regime. He was definitely a family man.President Truman labelled him a "crybaby"
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In a significant meeting held in the Oval Office, two months after the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Oppenheimer and President Truman spoke. In a moment of frustration and despair, Oppenheimer expressed his distress by saying he was "burdened with the guilt of bloodshed." Truman later described Oppenheimer as a "cry-baby scientist."He didn't like to read the news or use the phone
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In his deep dedication to teaching, Oppenheimer became completely engrossed, losing touch with the world around him. In an era where staying informed was a necessity, he consciously avoided newspapers, listening to radio, or even using the phone. He only found out about the economic crisis of 1929 through conversations with students who were experiencing financial difficulties.Following the World War, Oppenheimer was opposed to the hydrogen bomb
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In 1949, the Soviet Union conducted its own nuclear bomb test. In order to maintain its position in the arms race, President Truman authorized the development of the groundbreaking hydrogen bomb. This weapon, which surpassed its predecessor in terms of destructive power, was seen as a crucial advancement in military capabilities but Oppenheimer strongly opposed it.He was associated with communism
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Oppenheimer described himself as the loneliest man in the world
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From a young age, he faced challenges when it came to socializing with the people around him. Children perceived him as an arrogant person, constantly engrossed in a book. Instead of hanging around with people, he preferred to spend his time with science. Throughout his life, he grappled with depression, even confiding in his brother with the poignant words: "I need physics more than friends."He died from throat cancer
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Oppenheimer was notorious for his compulsive smoking habit. But it didn't end well as, in 1965, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent a series of medical treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy but on February 18, 1967, at the age of 62, he tragically passed away in New Jersey, after falling into a coma in his home.He was haunted by his ethics and morals
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His position in science allowed him to witness firsthand the horrifying nature of nuclear weapons. Haunted by the destructive power, he found himself tormented by millions of lives lost. Taking matters into his own hands, he wrote a letter and personally delivered the letter to Secretary of War Henry Stimson, and pushed for the ban on nuclear weapons.He was eventually considered a security risk
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In the 1950s, growing concerns about the theft of American secrets posed a threat to Oppenheimer's reputation and standing. The US was engaged in a perilous arms race with the Soviet Union. Oppenheimer later found himself confronted with a disheartening letter. The chair of the Atomic Energy Commission had taken the decision to pin Oppenheimer as a security risk. Despite facing pressure to resign, Oppenheimer chose to pursue a hearing instead.His security clearance was reinstated in 2022!
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Following his passing in 1967, it became evident that public sentiment had once again turned in favor of Oppenheimer. After years of tireless work by scientists and activists, the government finally cleared his name. The U.S. Department of Energy made a significant decision to reverse the 1954 ruling that had previously revoked Oppenheimer's security clearance.Oppenheimer: the film
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Oppenheimer was released in July 2023 and made a significant impact in the box office. In the wake of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, it seems that the ever-so-important story needs was pivotal in 2023 as much as it was in the 1940s and 50s. In just it's first weekend, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer (together with Greta Gerwig's Barbie) set the UK & Ireland box office double debut record.What To Read Next
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