Untold Secrets Unveiled: Oppenheimer Exposes Shocking Truths Behind WWII Atomic Bombs
Resurfaced Oppenheimer Interview Uncovers His Inner Struggle with WWII Atomic Bombs, shedding light on his complex emotions and moral dilemmas
Summary
Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, wrestled with a sense of remorse regarding his contribution to the development of atomic bombs.Although he justified his involvement based on the information accessible, Oppenheimer remained unsettled by the introduction of such destructive weaponry.
Oppenheimer, after leaving Los Alamos and losing interest in teaching, took charge of the Institute for Advanced Study and actively opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb.
In a recently unearthed interview, J. Robert Oppenheimer candidly expresses his true sentiments regarding the creation and deployment of the atomic bomb, as depicted in Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan's latest movie featuring a stellar cast with Cillian Murphy portraying the protagonist, Oppenheimer. This epic film, adapted from the biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, delves into Oppenheimer's role in the notorious Manhattan Project.
Oppenheimer's film, Oppenheimer, has received rave reviews from critics who have applauded its storytelling, Nolan's skillful direction, and the exceptional performances by the cast. However, it is important to note that this is not a feel-good movie. Instead, it leaves viewers unsettled and even fearful as they grapple with Oppenheimer's conflicting emotions about his role in the creation of atomic bombs. Despite the passage of years since World War II, Oppenheimer chose to open up about his true sentiments on the matter in an interview with CBS News. Read his complete statement below:
"I am of the belief that the perspective held by General Marshall and Colonel Stimson, the Secretary of War, that we would have had to engage in a bloody and massive battle to secure the main islands, resulting in the loss of countless American and Japanese lives, was genuinely reached by them. It was a view backed by regret and based on the most compelling evidence available at the time. In light of this alternative, I believe the atomic bomb provided an immense sense of relief. By the time the war began in 1939, the world had already witnessed the deaths of millions of individuals and countless acts of brutality and degradation that should have had no place in the 20th century. Bringing about the end of the war through this means, though undeniably cruel, was not a decision taken lightly. However, even now, I cannot confidently assert that there was a better course of action available to us. Admittedly, I do not have a particularly satisfactory answer to this question."
It was clear that Oppenheimer was very careful with the way he answered the question. Until the very end, however, he still seemed unsure about the issue.
What Happened To Oppenheimer After Nolan’s Movie
Oppenheimer is depicted at the end of the story in a state of personal crisis as he grapples with his role in the creation of atomic bombs. In the interview above, the acclaimed physicist made it explicitly clear that he believed the bombs were deployed appropriately given the information available at that time. He thus adhered to the notion that they acted in accordance with their knowledge. Nonetheless, this did not completely alleviate the guilt he experienced for contributing to the introduction of weapons of mass destruction to the world.
After finishing his initial project in Los Alamos, he declined the offer to extend and returned to Caltech. However, he soon discovered his waning interest in teaching. Eventually, he agreed to lead the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, at the invitation of Lewis Strauss. It was there that he reconnected with his fellow genius, Albert Einstein, whose relationship with Oppenheimer is showcased in Nolan's film. Despite his involvement in the development of the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer vehemently opposed the creation of the hydrogen bomb.
After being stripped of his security clearance, a noteworthy event in Oppenheimer's life, he retreated from the public eye and chose to live a more secluded existence. He spent several months in Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, only resurfacing for carefully selected public appearances, mostly related to scientific matters. With his detachment from government involvements, he dedicated his time to lecturing, writing, and delving into the study of physics. Sadly, in 1967, a mere two years after the aforementioned interview, he passed away at the age of 62 due to throat cancer.
Source: CBS News
