Welcome to the second chapter of Duty VS Humanity,
Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb," was a theoretical physicist who led the Manhattan Project during World War II. Born in 1904, his brilliance in quantum mechanics and theoretical physics led him to become one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. However, it was his role in developing the atomic bomb that brought him worldwide recognition—and a heavy moral burden.
During the war between the USA and Japan, Lieutenant General Leslie Groves approached Oppenheimer to lead a project that would change the course of history: the development of the atomic bomb. The test of this bomb resulted in an 11 km tall mushroom cloud, signaling not only the end of one era but also the beginning of a new, nuclear age.
Initially, he opposed the idea of building a hydrogen bomb, fearing the devastating consequences it could bring to humanity. However, the U.S. government warned that if they didn’t act quickly, Japan would attack the U.S., leading to countless American deaths. This was a turning point for Oppenheimer.
His inner turmoil mirrored the great moral conflict described in the Bhagavad Gita. In Chapter 11, Verse 12, Arjuna, like Oppenheimer, hesitated to go to war. He did not want to fight against his own kin, just as Oppenheimer didn’t want to be responsible for mass destruction. Krishna, however, urged Arjuna to fulfill his Dharma—his duty—as the outcome of the battle was already in Krishna’s hands, not his. Whether Arjuna fought or not, the war would go on.
Oppenheimer, too, eventually accepted his role, referencing the Bhagavad Gita in a haunting moment of realization: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." He understood that if he didn’t take on the responsibility, someone else would have, just as Krishna had warned Arjuna.
This tale leaves us with a profound lesson: sometimes, even when we don’t want to fight certain battles, we must. Whether it's a war we cannot avoid or a responsibility that we are bound to fulfill, there are moments when our personal desires must take a backseat to the greater cause. Oppenheimer’s decision was not just about science or warfare—it was about doing his duty, however devastating the consequences.
In the end, it serves as a reminder that there are times when we must act, not because we want to, but because the world demands it. If not us, someone else will.
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