The Oppenhimer Years

By Hawkins, David

Book Id: WPLBN0000702795
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 1.19 MB
Reproduction Date: 2006

Title:	The Oppenhimer Years
Author:	Hawkins, David
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Government publications, Energy, Energy and research series
Collections:	Government Library Collection, Department of Energy Collection
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	Government Printing Office


Citation APA MLA Chicago Hawkins, B. D. (n.d.). The Oppenhimer Years. Retrieved from https://self.gutenberg.org/

Excerpt
Excerpt: ?What is wrong with us?? September 21, 1942 These lines are primarily addressed to those with whom I have shared for years the knowledge that it is within our power to construct atomic bombs. What the existence of these bombs will mean we all know. It will bring disaster upon the world if the Germans are ready before we are. It may bring disaster upon the world even if we anticipate them and win the war, but lose the peace that will follow. We may take the stand that the responsibility for the success of this work has been delegated by the President to Dr. Bush. It has been delegated by Dr. Bush to Dr. Conant. Dr. Conant delegates this responsibility (accompanied by only part of the necessary authority) to Compton. Compton delegates to each of us some particular task, and we can lead a very pleasant life while we do our duty. We live in a pleasant part of a pleasant city [Chicago] in the pleasant company of each other, and have in Dr. Compton the most pleasant ?boss? [at the Metallurgical Laboratory] we could wish to have. There is every reason why we should be happy, and since there is a war on, we are even willing to work overtime. Alternatively, we may take the stand that those who have originated the work on this terrible weapon and those who have materially contributed to its development have, before God and the World, the duty to see to it that it should be ready to be used at the proper time and in the proper way. I believe that each of us has now to decide where he feels that his responsibility lies.